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HISTORY 



OF THE 



SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

A.E.F. 

DURING THE 

WORLD WAR: 

1917-1919 



FORMATION AND TRAINING IN THE UNITED STATES, 1917—1918 

THE PRE-COMBAT PERIOD IN FRANCE 

AT THE FRONT 

THE FOST-.\RMISTICE PERIOD IN FRANCE 

DEMOBILIZATION IN THE UNITED STATES, 1919 



Compiled anii Edited dy 

lIisTORr Committee "Dtii Division Association 

J. Frank Barher, Chairman 



Published by 

Steinman & Stein.vian 

Lancaster, Pa. 



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Copyrighted 

BY 

79th division association 

315 Liberty Bldg., 
Philadelphia. 



IC1A69G007 



JAN 12 '23 



♦A« I 



DEDICATION 

To the proud and loving memory of those men of the 
Seventy-ninth Division with whom we marched and 
fought over gassed and shell-swept roads and 
fields, through days and nights of rain and 
cold and mud, who gave their lives 
for the cause of right, to the 
everlasting glory of them- 
selves, their Division 
and their country. 




SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISIONAL INSIGNIA 

The shoulder sleeve insignia of the 79th Division was approved by telegram 
November 16, 1918, from the Adjutant General, A.E.F., to the Commanding 
General, 79th Division. It is described as follows: 

A blue triangular shield 2}^" in height by 2}^" in width, a Lorraine Cross 
within an orle. Cross and orle silver gray and the elements of each ys" in width. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Part I 

Foreword by General Kuhx 1 

CoMPOsiTiox OF Seventy-ninth Division 12 

Introduction 13 

Chapter T — Camp Meade Days 17 

Chapter II — The Di\ision Goes to France 38 

Chapter III — The Avocourt-Malancourt Sector 51 

Chapter IV — The Meuse-Argonne, First Phase 75 

Malancourt and Montfaucon 

Chapter V — The Meuse-Argonne, First Phase 129 

iSantillois and tlie Bois de Beiige 

Chapter VI — The Thoyon Sector 179 

Chapter VII — The Meuse-Argonne, Third Phase 203 

La Borne de Cornouiller 

Chapter VIII — The Meuse-Argonne, Third Phase 260 

" Tlirough the Hills of the Meuse Eastward" 

Chapter IX — After the Armistice Slg 

Chapter X — The Artillery Brigade 340 

Chapter XI — The Souilly' and Rimaucourt Areas 318 

Chatper XII — Nantes, St. Xazaire and Home 364 

Part II 

Appendix I — The Roll of Honor — the Division's Dead 379 

Appendix II — Statistics 424 

Total of casualties — Kilometers gained — Prisoners taken — Material cap- 
tured — Units of German Army which opposed the Division — Totals of Deco- 
rations and Citations — Combat Service of Division, etc. 

Appendix III — Chronology 429 

The successive stages of the Division in Fiance as gained from table 
showing all locations of Division Headquarters. 

Appentjix IV — D ecorations akd Citations 432 

Awards of the Distinguished Service Cross — Distinguished Service Medal — 
Croix de Guerre — General Headquarters Citations — Division Citations — Unit 
Citations. 

Appendix V — Field Orders 477 

Principal Orders of Corps and Division Relating to Operations. 

Appendix VI — Translation of Captured German Field Order 486 

Appendix VII — Source or Reference Notes 491 

Appendix VIII — " The Lorraine Cross" 503 

The Division Newspaper 
Appendix IX — The Seventy-ninth Division Association 510 



AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF 

/£z Oiu^^^^-^ /2^/*^- /^*<^ /^^w^ 








(- y^^'^^^ /X/^^^-*'*****<^ 



American Expeditionary Forces, 
Office of the Comnander-in-Chief , 
France, April 13, 1919. 

Major General Joseph E. Kuhn, 
Commanding 79th Division, 
American E. F. 
My dear General Kuhn: 

It afforded me great satisfaction to inspect the 
79th Division on April 12, and on that occasion to 
decorate the standards of yotlr regiments and, for 
gallantry in action, to confer medals upon certain 
officers and men. Your transportation and artillery 
were in splendid shape, and the general appearance 
of the division was well up to the standard of the 
American Expeditionary Forces. Throughout the in- 
spection and review the excellent morale of the men 
and their pride in the record of their organiza,tion 
was evident. 

In the Meuse-Argonne Offensive the division had 
its full share of hard fighting. Entering the line 
for the first time on September 26 as the right of 
the center corps, it took part in the beginning of 
the great Meuse-Argonne Offensive. By September 27 
it had captured the strong position of Montfaucon, 
and in Spite of heavy artillery reaction, the Bois 
de Beuge and Nantillois were occupied. On September 
30 it was relieved, having advanced ten kilometers. 
It again entered the battle on October 29, relieving, 
as part of the 17th French Corps, the 29th Division 
in the Grande Montagne Sector to the east of the 
Meuse River. From that time until the armistice went 
into effect, it was almost constantly in action. On 
November 9 Crepion, Wavrille and Gibercy were taken, 
and in conjunction with elements on the right and 
left, Etraye and Moirey were invested. On November 
10, Chaximont-devant-Damvilliers was occupied, and on 
November 11 Ville-devant-Chaumont was taken — a total 
of 9 kilometers. 

This is a fine record for any division and I want 
the officers and men to know this and to realize how 
much they have contributed to the success of our arms. 
They may return home justly proud of themselves and 
of the part they have played in the American Expedi- 
tionary Forces. 

Sincerely yours. 



(-""jdUc^ Nlen^^ 



^ rt/fu^ /y v e/T^=i^fi^ k/ 





Major General Joseph E. Kunx 



TO MY COMRADES OF THE 79th DIVISION 

This history has been prepared primarily for you in order to preserve 
the ties of comradeship formed during strenuous days of training at home 
and stirring incidents of campaign abroad, and to make it possible, by word 
and picture, to convey to friends and relatives the trials and achievements 
of one of America 's combat divisions, hastily called into being to meet a nation- 
al emergency. 

A scant four months between the peaceful pursuits of farm, factory and 
counting house to "over the top" in a foreign land against a veteran foe, 
practiced in more than four years desperate fighting, sounds incredible and 
yet this was the experience of more than half of the 79th Division when it 
underwent its first baptism of fire on tlie morning of September 26, 1918. 

The capture of the dominating and strongly fortified Montfaucon and 
the penetration of the enemy's line to a depth of nine kilometers constitute 
a worthy achievement for a green division. In the subsequent desperate 
fighting at the salient on the scarred and rugged heights north of Verdun, 
the Division again demonstrated a courage and tenacity of whic-h it is justly 
proud. 

Not only on the field of battle but on the march, in camp, billets and 
bivouac you have uniformly proved yourself loyal, patriotic and unselfish 
soldiers and citizens. It is with a deep and abiding sense of gratitude for 
your faithful services that your former commander looks back upon those 
eventful 22 months which covered the life of the Division. 



Jufi-'Z^:-^ ^^^WC^ 



JOSEPH E. KUHN, Major General. U. S. A. 

General Kuhn was born June 14, 1864, in Leavenworth, Kansas. He was 
appointed Cadet, United States Military Academy, West Point, N. Y., July 1, 
1881, and graduated at the head of his class, June 14, 1885. 

He was appointed 2nd Lieutenant Corps of Engineers, U. S. A. and served 
with Co. "C," Engineer Battalion at Willets Point, N. Y., and with the Engineer 
School, until 1888. 

During 1888 and 1889 he was Assistant to the District Engineer at Detroit, 
Michigan, in charge of River and Harbor Works on the East Shore of Lake 
Michigan. 

In 1889 he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant of Engineers, and served from 
then until August of 1894 as Instructor of Civil and MiHtary Engineering at the 
U. S. Military Academy. 

From August 1894 to 1896, he was Assistant to the District Engineer at 
San Francisco, California, in charge of the Works of Fortification of that harbor. 

In 1896 he received his Captaincy, and from then until 1900 he was Assistant 
to the Chief of Engineers, and in charge of the Sea Coast Defenses of the United 
States, and Military Personnel of the Engineer Corps. 

During the Spanish-American War General Kuhn held the rank of Major, 
from May 1898 to September 1899. 

From August 1900 to August 1903, he commanded the Engineer Company 
at West Point, and was Head of the Department of Practical Military Engineer- 
ing. He was also a member of the Academic Board of the Academy during this 
time. 

From 1903 to 1904 he commanded, in the Philippine Islands, the 3rd Bat- 
talion of Engineers, and in April, 1904, he was promoted to Major, Corps of 
Engineers, U. S. A. 

The period from March 1904 to November 1905, General Kuhn spent as 
Military Observer with the Japanese Armies in the Field during the Russo- 
Japanese War, and from December, 1905, to June, 1906, he was occupied in the 
Office of the Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C, writing the report of his ob- 
servations. This work is published in War Department Document, ''Report of 
Military Observers attached to The Armies in Manchuria during the Russo- 
Japanese War'' — Part III., — and is used extensively as a text book and reference 
by the War College. 

From June to September of 1906, General Kuhn attended the famous 
German Army Maneuvers and there had personal contact, and some very 
interesting conversations, with the Kaiser, on the subjects of Military Strategy 
and Tactics. 

(8) 



From September 1906 to August 1909, General Kuhn was District Engineer 
in charge of the Norfolk River and Harbor District, and Works of Fortification, 
at Norfolk, Va. 

In September 1909 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, Corps of En- 
gineers, and from August 1909 to August 1912 was Senior Instructor in Military 
Engineering at the Army Service Schools, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. 

August 1912 to August 1913 was spent as District Engineer in charge of the 
River and Harbor District and the Fortification Work at Philadelphia, Pa. 

From September 1913 to December 1914, he was Commanding Officer of 
the Third Battalion of Engineers, the Engineer Depot and the Engineer School 
at Washington Barracks, Washington, D. C. 

From December 1914 to March 1915, General Kuhn was a member of the 
Military Mission to Germany. In March 1915 he was promoted to the grade 
of Colonel, Corps of Engineers, and from March 1915 to December 1916, was 
Military Attache at the American Embassy in Berlin. During this period he 
was attached to the German General Headquarters, and visited frequently the 
German Lines on both the West and East Fronts. 

In January 1917, General Kuhn was promoted to the grade of Brigadier 
General, and appointed President of the Army War College, and a member of 
the General Staff. He continued on these duties until August of the same year, 
during which time he was in charge of the initial steps for war preparations and 
war training. 

In August 1917, he was promoted to the grade of Major General, and placed 
in command (at its inception) of the Seventy-Ninth Division. He commanded 
the Division during its organization and training at Camp Meade, Md., from 
August 1917 to July 1918, and from July 1918, he commanded the Division in 
France, including its entire combat service and until its return to the United 
States and its demobilization at Camp Dix in Jime 1919. 

From July 1919 to September 1920, General Kuhn commanded Camp 
Kearney, California, and from September 1920 to January 1922, commanded 
Schofield Barracks, Territory of Hawaii, and organized the Hawaiian Division. 

General Kuhn received the Croix de Guerre, with palm, and was invested 
with the rank of Commander of the Legion of Honor by the French Government 
in recognition of his services in the World War. 

During the days of the Division at Camp Meade and its period of operations 
in the A. E. F., more than ninety thousand men served under and passed through 
General Kuhn's command. He earned and holds the respect, confidence and 
admiration of every man of the Seventy-Ninth Division, every one of whom 
sincerely appreciates his splendid services to the Division, to the individual, and 
to the Country. Every member of the Division will, throughout his life, hold 
General Kuhn in the highest honor and esteem. 



(9) 



SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION STAFF 




Lt. Col. George A. Wildrick, 
G-3 



Lt. Col. James H. Steinman, 
Adjutant 



12 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



UNITS COMPRISING THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION, 

U. S. A. 

Division Headquarters 

Headquarters Troop 

310th Machine Gun Battalion 

157th Infantry Brigade 

313th Infantry 

314th Infantry 

311th Machine Gun Battalion 

158th Infantry Brigade 

315th Infantry 

316th Infantry 

31'2th Machine Gun Battalion 

154th Field Artillery Brigade 
310th Field Artillery 
311th Field Artillery 
312th Field Artillery 
304th Trench Mortar Battery 

304th Engineers 

304th Engineer Train 

304th Field Signal Battalion 

304th Division Trains and Military Police 

304th Ammunition Train 

304th Supply Train 

304th Sanitary Train 

304th Mobile Ordnance Repair Shop 



INTRODUCTION 

Whenever a great nation declares war, it follows as a natural consequence that 
history will be made. If that war is punitive in character, the masses of the people 
in a great nation pay little attention and are not greatly disturbed, nor are they 
distracted from their daily routine. But when that war is by far the greatest 
undertaking ever engaged in, the whole nation is awakened to its immensity and 
supports the concerted movement to the limit, throwing its full force — its every 
resource — into the fray. 

Our country's part in the World War was by far the greatest project, com- 
mercial or military, ever entered into by these United States. All the nation's 
resources were turned from jieaceful and commercial pursuits and thrown into a 
supreme military effort. 

The Anny, the military force, was increased within eighteen months from a 
body of less than one hundred thousand to more than five million men, and within 
fifteen months from the date this country declared war, we had placed a substantial 
fighting force in a field over thirty-five hundred miles from its base. This was 
augmented at the rate of several hundred thousand a month until more than two 
million men were in the American Expeditionary Forces in France. 

It was of this great army, the American Ex]ieditionary Forces, that the 
Seventy-ninth Division became a part, and it is the purpose of this book to record 
in an accurate, unbiased, complete and authenticated manner the history of the 
Seventy-ninth Division, both at home and overseas. 

Standing forth in the splendid record of the Division are three achievements, 
three grim epics of modern warfare. To the Seventy-ninth Division fell the signal 
honor of conquering the two highest points on the Meuse-Argonne battlefield and 
thrusting into the German line on Armistice Day the deepest salient on the whole 
American front. 

Montfaucon, impregnable for four years, famed as an observatory from which 
the enemy commanded the entire American line, fell before the assaults of the 
Division. It was taken on September 27, the second day of the first phase of the 
Meuse-Argonne offensive, and, once it had been wrested free, the eye of the German 
Army was gone. 

Of this front on which the Division was thus engaged General Pershing said ■} 

"The Meuse-Argonne front had been practically stabilized 
in September, 1914, and, except for minor fluctuations during the 
German attacks on Verdun in 1916 and the French counter offensive 
in August, 1917, remained unchanged until the American advance 
in 1918. The net result of the four years struggle on this ground 
was a German defensive system of unusual depth and strength and 
a wide zone of utter devastation, itself a serious obstacle to offensive 
operations. The strategical importance of this portion of the line 
was second to none on the western front." 

' Final Report, Gen. John J. Pershing, p. 43. 

(13) 



14 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Rreferring to a conference held at Marshall Foch's headquarters on Sep- 
tember 2, 1918, at which General Petain was present, General Pershing said: * 

"It should be recorded that although the general offensive 
was fully outlined at the conference no one present expressed the 
opinion that the final victory could be won in 1918. In fact, it 
was believed by the French high command that the Meuse-Argonne 
attack could not be pushed much beyond Montfaucon before the 
arrival of winter would force a cessation of operations." 

The 79tli Division captured Montfaucon within thirty hours after its jump 
off on September 26th, and in the succeeding days pushed its lines far beyond into 
enemy territory before, its strength spent and its ranks fearfully depleted, it was 
relieved from the offensive, September 30, 1918. 

La Borne de Cornouiller, east of the Meuse, a height from which enemy 
observers had directed terrible enfilading fire on the American forces through two 
phases of the same offensive, was stormed early in November and fell before the 
onslaught of the Division. A menace to communications, it had played an im- 
portant part in holding up the American advance. Once it was captured, the lines 
east of the Meuse moved on with no molestation from the flank. 

The attack was to be launched against the last line of German trenches of the 
Kriemhilde Stellung, the attempted assault against which, in the middle of October, 
had failed. 

To the 79th Division was assigned the desperate task of breaking the enemy 
line at its pivotal and key position on La Borne de Cornouiller, known to the 
French as La Grande Montague and to the Americans as Hill 378, a great bare 
crest rising sheer from the Meuse Valley, and commanding practically the entire 
Meuse-Argonne front. 

The full strength of the Division was thrown into the attack on November 3rd, 
and after four days of terrific fighting La Borne de Cornouiller was captured, and 
held. Of the troops who made the assault General Kuhn at that time said: "They 
have done the impossible." The Division pressed on to the north, four kilometers 
beyond its first objective. On November 8th the Division changed its direction 
of attack to due east, and assaulted and carried the last of the spurs and ridges of 
the long line of hills that separate the Meuse from the flat plains of the Woevre, 
and on the 9th and 10th went down into the valley of the Thinte, sweeping the 
enemy before it. 

Then, during the closing days of the War, its face turned directly toward 
Germany after making a most difficult flank movement, the Division crowned its 
record with a memorable advance, culminating in a salient pushing straight toward 
the heart of the enemy. Beyond the crest of Hills 319 and 328 it extended, a 
threatening menace to the enemy flung far ahead of any other American position. 

The attack was resumed on November 11th; under cover of a dense fog, and 
good progress was being made up the western slopes of the Cote de Morimont and 
the Cote de Romagne, the last strongholds of the Germans, when the order came 
to cease fire. This, as the records show, was by far the deepest penetration of the 
enemy lines by American troops at the time of the Armistice.'' 

' Final Report, Gen. John J. Pershing, p. 40. 

^ See map of Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Final Report of Gen. John J. Pershing. Also Situation 
Map of G-2, G.H.Q. of Nov. 11, 1918, accompanying this History. 



INTRODUCTION 15 

The Division was composed normally of some twenty-seven thousand men, 
yet through the period of its life — August 1917 to May 1919 — more than ninety- 
five thousand men were received and equipped by it, and trained and served in it. 

The Division was in existence about twenty-three months and in service in 
France from July 1918 until May 1919. It had left the States M-ith approximately 
sixty-five per cent of its men in the ser^■ice only six weeks, so, including the time 
spent on the transports and in the training area in France, this portion of our na- 
tion's fighting force had had but sixteen to eighteen weeks of military training. 

As a further example of the nation's condition of gross unpreparedness, the 
men received by the Division as replacements, during October 1918, were from the 
July draft and, consequently, entered the lines without any knowledge or experience 
with the rifle and very short military training. Naturally, this practice of rushing 
green material into combat was costly in man power and an extravagance for which 
the people in general are alone to blame. 

It is interesting to note that, of the nine shock Divisions wliich were in line 
at the beginning of America's greatest battle, the Meuse-Argonne, three divisions, 
the Twenty-eighth, Seventy-ninth and Eightieth, were composed principally of 
men from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Thus, Pennsylvania is accredited 
with thirty-three per cent of the shock troops which opened the American Offensive. 

History is the prose narrative of past events, as true as the fallibility of human 
testimony will allow, and it has been attempted in this volume to cover the life 
and achievements of the Seventy-ninth Division on this plan. War and battle 
conditions are so severe, so many different incidents occur at one and the same 
instant, and there are so many different angles from which the same incident can 
be seen, surveyed and estimated, that it is humanly impossible to picture, by words, 
any event in a manner that would correspond to the version of all eye witnesses 
and those concerned in the actual occurrences. 

A most careful and exhaustive search and re-search have been made of all 
records pertaining to the Division, and months have been spent in analyzing, 
assembling and collating this data, and in arranging it in the text and tables. 

In reading the tables of casualties, the killed and wounded, and in reading of 
the individual acts cited from time to time, it should be remembered that there 
were many more hardships and sacrifices, acts of bravery and devotion to duty, 
than it would ever be possible to relate. Those given are only examples, and the 
operations of the Division were filled — were rife — with acts and deeds that are 
the true test of the real, staunch, red-blooded manhood of our country. Many 
heroic acts were recorded, and many brave men were rewarded; but far more 
numerous were the heroic acts that went unobserved and unacknowledged, and 
will forever go unrecorded. 

This History first had its inception whUe the Seventy-ninth Division was in 
the Souilly Area in France in the winter of 1918-19. It was then placed in the 
hands of Lieutenants Albert S. Crandon and AVarren M. Wells, who prepared a 
text of approximately thirty thousand words. Subsequently it was placed in the 
hands of Mr. James B. Wharton, who assembled more data and re-wrote the text. 
This version was of greater length than the first but, after careful reviewing by 
representatives of the different units of the Division, it was decided that the text 
was not yet in the form desired, and so a third and last effort was decided upon. 



16 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

It was at this stage that the services of Mr. William Bell Clark were enlisted, 
and after months more of earnest work, collecting more data, making every effort 
at further research, Mr. Clark produced the text as it now stands and as it was 
finally accepted. The earnest way in which he undertook the task, sparing no 
pains to get the true understanding of his subject, the spirit of the elements he 
was to depict, the mass of detail — all necessary for the success of such a work — is 
evidence of Mr. Clark's ability and sincerity, and it is to him the Division owes 
a great debt for a history text, complete, authentic and yet full of human interest. 

We owe also acknowledgements to Captain Joseph M. DuBarry, Captain 
Carl E. Glock, and Captain George L. Wright for their assistance and general 
contributions and help, and to Major Edward W. Madeira for his assistance in 
reviewing and criticising the text. Also to Lieutenant Colonel H. Harrison Smith 
for his contributions of many original and valuable views, taken mainly of the 
Grande Montague Sector, as well as for his help in preparing the history and 
appendix. Mr. Virgil Kauffman and Mr. Morris C. Sparks also have been very 
generous to us, allowing the use of several of their best photographs. 

Many of the illustrations were procured from the collection of the 304th 
Engineers, as that was the largest and most complete set of views of our particular 
areas available. Also the several maps used are reproductions for which the 304th 
Engineers are responsible. 

To Sergeant Thomas M. Rivel, of Division Headquarters, we are indebted for 
the cover design. Sergeant Rivel has used for his subject the Montfaucon Chateau, 
a scene familiar to every member of the Seventy-Ninth Division as well as to 
thousands of others who occupied this sector subsequently or who were engaged 
in the neighboring sectors. His wonderful presentation of the typical column of 
troops going forward on relief, is so vivid and realistic, so lifelike, that it im- 
mediately takes the soldier back to the gloomy, misty, rainy days, — days full of 
action every hour of the twenty-four, days full of ghastly noise, tumult, and in- 
tensive motion, days of hunger, fatigue and carnage, days of battle — the days of 
September, October and November, 1918. The subject could not be more appro- 
priate or the design better executed. 

I am greatly indebted, personally, and the Division is indebted generally, to 
Sergeant John V. Dignan, of Division Headquarters, for the use of his very complete 
albums of Division orders and data, for his untiring work, his liberal assistance and 
his loyal co-operation in assembling of pages, the arrangement of illustrations, and 
his ingenuity, so liberally and generously given during the days of publication. 

There were many others interested and helpful in varying degrees to whom, 
also, our appreciation is due. It was through the co-operation of these men and by 
untiring effort, undaunted by many, many obstacles, that this history was made 
possible and, after a period of ceaseless effort extending over four years, that it is 
finally accomplished. There were many difficulties and periods of trying times, 
when it seemed that progress was impossible; but that is ended, and now it 
remains for the reader to render his verdict on the result of the efforts expended. 

J. Frank Barber, 

Chairman, 79th Division History Comm. 
Note: Should the reader find errors or discrepancies, the editors will welcome constructive criticism, 
substantiated by proper evidence. 

The reader will find numerous small figure references throughout the text. By referring to pages 
i91 to 503 in the appendix the source of the information can be determined. 



CHAPTER I 

CAMP MEADE DAYS 

THE Seventy-ninth Division was one of sixteen created in the spring of 1917 
to meet, by universal conscription, the emergency expansion of the United 
States Army during the World War. It was authorized by the Army 
Act of May 18, 1917, which prov-ided in part that the President "might raise by 
selective draft an additional force of 500,000 men and at a later time another 
force of 500,000."' Presaging the drastic legislation called forth through the 
declaration of a state of war against Germany, the War Department previously 
had prepared a paper organization for each of the proposed divisions. Conse- 
quently, the birth of the Seventy-ninth Division may be considered as coincident 
with the signing of the Army Act. From a typewritten table of division units 
as they were to be, to their actual existence upon the field, however, proved a long 
step. This process of incubation in the case of the Seventy-ninth Division was 
protracted over a period of four months. Measured in terms of days it seemed 
unusually long; in terms of accomplishment it proved remarkably brief. 

The numerical designation of the Division was fixed by the War Department 
under an original plan dividing the fighting forces of the country into three groups 
— Regular Army, National Guard and National Army. The Seventy-ninth 
Division was placed in the latter category. The National Army divisions were 
numbered from seventy-six upward and the order followed was along geographical 
lines, beginning in the New England States. Tracing this plan, the result was: 
Seventy-sixth Division, New England; Seventy-seventh Division, Greater New 
York City; Seventy-eighth Division, New York State, New Jersey and Delaware; 
and Seventy-ninth Division, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and the District 
of Columbia. Subsequently the distinctions between the various divisions of the 
army were eliminated by the War Department. Regular Army, National Guard 
and National Army gave way to the United States Army.- The numerical desig- 
nation of the divisions, however, remained unchanged. 

To facilitate the mobilization of the selected men, the War Department de- 
cided to establish the training centres, or cantonments, within each geographical 
division and, in the case of the Seventy-ninth Division, the site chosen was near 
Annapolis Junction, Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The Government com- 
mandeered 4,000 acres which hitherto had been used exclusively for truck raising 
and fruit growing, prepared plans for a permanent encampment capable of housing 
40,000 men, and named it Camp Meade in honor of Major General George Gordon 
Meade, the Pennsylvania commander of the Army of the Potomac who turned 
Lee back at Gettysburg in '63. The construction of what became eventually a 
modern city, located nearly midway between Baltimore and Washington and with 
Philadelphia 110 miles away, began on July 2, 1917.' 

(17) 



18 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

In the meanwhile the machinery was evolved whereby conscription was to 
be enforced. The iVrmy Act of May 18, 1917, gave the President the power to 
enroll all men in the United States between the ages of 21 and 31, and, by procla- 
mation, June 5, 1917, was assigned as national registration day.^ Prior to this a 
provost marshal general had been appointed to administer the draft, and calcula- 
tions of the number of men available had been worked out on the basis of the cen- 
sus of 1910. These calculations were used in preliminary surveys whereby the 
various apportionments had been estimated in a rough manner, but with sufficient 
accuracy to enable the authorities to group the prospective draftees within the 
contemplated geographical boundaries. Actual figures were available for the 
necessary computations when 9,586,508 men of military age enrolled on national 
registration day.^ The next step, to establish the order of call to the colors for 
each individual, came on July 20, 1917. The country had been divided into draft 
districts, each district containing approximately 2,100 men. In each district 
the men were given serial numbers from one upward. At Washington, on 
July 20, a series of these numbers was placed in a bowl and the order of their being 
drawn forth established the order of the individual call.'' 

While the draft preliminaries were under way, the War Department was also 
taking up the question of officers to command and train the units of the new 
divisions. Recognizing that the commissioned personnel of the Regular Army 
was totally inadequate in number, the Officers' Reserve Corps was enlarged and 
numerous camps, for a three months' intensive training course, provided. One 
of these, established at Fort Niagara, New York, produced the majority of the 
men who were assigned ultimately to the Seventy-ninth Division. The Fort 
Niagara Training Camp opened on May 8, 1917, the officer candidates arriving 
during three successive mornings on trains known as the "Red, White and Blue 
Specials."' The candidates were drawn chiefly from Pennsylvania and Maryland 
and were formed into nine companies of infantry, three batteries of artillery, two 
troops of cavalry and one company of engineers. Barring those training in the 
company of engineers, they remained at Fort Niagara until August 15, 1917, 
when the successful men received their commissions and assignments. In the 
case of the engineers, the company was transferred on June 15, 1917, to the En- 
gineer Training Camp, American University, Washington, D. C, and Belvoir, 
Va.« 

The number of men to be called in the first draft had been placed at 687,000, 
the excess over 500,000 being required to fill up the National Guard to war strength.' 
This 687,000, however, was known as the gross quota, and the draft officials an- 
nounced that credits would be given in all districts for volunteer enlistments. 
The working out of the net quota was not completed until well into August, 1917. 
The final figures of the first draft for the Seventy-ninth Division showed the net 
ciuota to be 39,951, divided as follows:'" 

District of Columbia (11 draft boards) 929 

Baltimore (21' draft boards) 2,866 

Maryland (21 counties; 29 draft boards) 4,230 

Philadelphia (51 draft boards) 14,665 

Pennsylvania (36 counties; 108 draft boards) 17,261 



CAMP MEADE DAYS 19 

Under the credit system for volunteer enlistments two cities ■within the Seventy- 
ninth Division area were exempt from the first draft. They were Harrisburg 
and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the former with a gross quota of 811 and enlistments 
of 887 and the latter with a gross quota of 476 and 531 enlistments." 

Directions were issued by the Adjutant General of the Army on August 8, 
1917, calling the National Army to the colors as follows:'^ 

30 per cent to be delivered commencing September 1. 
30 per cent to be delivered commencing September 15. 
30 per cent to be delivered commencing September 30. 
The remainder as soon thereafter as practicable. 

Five days later, however, the Secretary of War changed the dates because 
■'Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day are three of the first five days in September."'* 
The rearrangement set the first call for September 5, instead of September 1 ; the 
second call for September 19, and the third call for October 3. Another modifica- 
tion was found necessary because of the extensive use of the railroads in trans- 
porting the National Guard southward during the early part of September. On 
August 25, therefore, it was announced that only five per cent would be called 
beginning September 5, to be moved at the rate of one per cent a day, and that 
forty per cent would be called upon each of the other days, September 19 and 
October 3.>2 

But Camp Meade, despite its rapid growth, was not ready for the drafted 
men from Pennsylvania, Maryland and the District of Columbia on Sei)tember 5. 
According to the Provost Marshal General, "the water supply system would not 
be completed."'* From the report of Lieutenant Colonel P. E. Pierce, of the 
General Staff, and a member of the War Industries Board, it was apparent that 
more than the water supply was at fault. Lieutenant Colonel Pierce's report, 
dated September 1, 1917, gave the status of completion as follows:" 

Annapolis Junction, Md. (Camp Meade) 

Buildings: Company barracks, 44 per cent; company lava- 
tories, 44 per cent; officers' quarters, 44 per cent; officers' lava- 
tories, 44 per cent; storehouses, 56 per cent. Materials: Frame 
lumber, 72 per cent; boards, 68 per cent; flooring, 68 per cent; 
hardware, 68 per cent; finish lumber, 72 per cent; sash and doors, 
68 per cent. 

Water Supply: Source of supply, 80 per cent; pumping sta- 
tions, 28 per cent; supply main, 60 per cent; storage, 28 per cent; 
purification works, 28 per cent; distribution system, 64 per cent. 
Materials: Piping (cast iron or wood over 6 inches), 64 per cent; 
piping (cast iron or wood 6 inches or under), 64 per cent; piping 
(galvanized iron), 100 per cent; machinery, 84 per cent. 

Sewerage: Collecting system, 60 per cent; disposal, 40 per cent. 
Material: Piping, 80 per cent. 

Plumbing: Conapany lavatories, 44 per cent; officers' lava- 
tories, 44 per cent; kitchens, 44 per cent; hospitals, 16 per cent. 
Materials: Heaters and boilers, 24 per cent; lavatory outfits, 72 
per cent; shower outfits, 100 per cent. Piping : Valves and fittings, 
72 per cent; sinks and grease traps, 36 per cent. 

Roads: 32 per cent bridges and culverts, 32 per cent. Mater 
ials: Broken stone and gravel, 96 per cent. 



20 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Electrical work: Transmission line, 44 per cent; cantonment 
distribution, 44 per cent; interior wiring, 44 per cent. Materials: 
Lamps, 44 per cent; wiring, 44 per cent. 

Number of men employed, September 1, 1917, 9,140. 

As a result of this report, the War Department, under date of September 1, 
1917, made an announcement that "draft of the first increment of the National 
Army has been postponed to September 19. This includes only the first five 
per cent and only men who are to report to Camp Meade, Admiral, Md."" 

Preparations for the reception of the first of the selected men had been going 
on apace in the partly completed camp. On August 3, 1917, the War Depart- 
ment, in General Order No. 101, specified the various units to be incorporated 
in the Seventy-ninth Division and, on August 11, in Special Order No. 186, desig- 
nated the ofiicers of the Regular Army and of the Officers' Reserve Corps to be 
assigned to the Division. In the meanwhile, on August 5, 1917, Joseph E. Kuhn, 
a brigadier of the Regular Army, had been promoted to the rank of major gen- 
eral in the National Army and assigned to Camp Meade to organize and com- 
mand the new Division. He arrived at the cantonment with his staff on August 
25, while still a brigadier, not accepting his new commission until four days later. 
On the day of his arrival, however, he organized the Division officially with the 
issuance of General Order No. 1, Seventy-ninth Division, the first of a long series 
to foUow. 

The graduates of the First OflScers' Training Camp at Fort Niagara, 1100 
in number, having enjoyed a two weeks' leave of absence after their strenuous 
three months of training, reported for duty on August 29. Simultaneously there 
arrived the Regular Army officers selected to command brigades and regiments, 
and about 600 enlisted men from the Regular Army to form the non-commissioned 
cadre, or framework of companies, battalions and regiments. General Order No. 
2, issued on August 26, 1917, was awaiting the newcomers. It assigned the of- 
ficers to their respective units and, by September 1, the skeletonized Division 
was formed according to the War Department Tables of Organization. The com- 
manding officers assigned to the various units as of August 26, 1917, some of whom 
served with the Division throughout the entire war, were as follows: 

Commanding General *Major General Joseph E. Kuhn 

Chief of Staff *Lieutenant Colonel Tenney Ross 

Adjutant Major Charles B. Moore 

Division Engineer Colonel James P. Jervey 

Quartermaster Major Robert F. Tate 

Inspector Major Samuel G. Talbott 

Ordnance Officer Major Townsend Whelan 

Judge Advocate Lieutenant Colonel James J. Mayes 

Signal Officer *Major George S. Gillis 

Surgeon *Lieutenant Cloonel Philip W. Huntington 

Headquarters Troop *Captain Eugene S. Pleasonton 

310th Machine Gun 

Battalion *Major Andrew W. Smith 

157th Infantry Brigade *Brigadier General William J. Nicholson 
313th Infantry Regiment *Colonel Claude B. Sweezey 



CAMP MEADE DAYS 



21 



314th Infantry Regiment 
311th Machine Gun 
Battalion 

158th Infantry Brigade 
315th Infantry Regiment 
316th Infantry Regiment 
312th Machine Gun 
BattaHon 

154th Artillery Brigade 
310th Field Artillery 

Regiment 
311th Field Artillery 

Regiment 
312th Field Artillery 

Regiment 
304th Trench Mortar 

Battery 

304th Engineer Regiment 

304th Division Trains 
and Military Police 

304th Ammunition Train 

304th Field Signal 
Battalion 

304th Supply Train 

304th Sanitary Train 

* Indicates those tvho served 
K. I. A. Killed in action. 



Colonel Thomas W. Darrah 



Brigadier General Everard E. Hatch 
Colonel Otho B. Rosenbaum 
Colonel Oscar J. Charles 

Major Edmond L. Zane 
* Brigadier General Andrew Hero, Jr. 

Colonel Dan T. Moore 
*Lieutenant Colonel Charles F. Mortimer 

Colonel James F. Brady 

Captain William G. Huckel 

Colonel James P. Jervey 

*Colonel William C. Rogers 
Lieutenant Colonel Walter E. Prosser 

Major Sidney T. Moore 
K. I. A. Major Israel Putnam, 
*Lieutenant Colonel James F. Trout. 

with the Division throughout the war. 



At the time the various unit commanders, officers and non-commissioned 
officers arrived. Camp Meade was just beginning to take form. Its appearance is 
thus described by the historian of Company "I", 315th Infantry: 

In the few weeks preceding the permanent organization of the 
Division, Camp Meade presented the disheveled appearance of a 
lumber camp or of a railroad pioneer camp in the first stages of 
constructive work. 

The ground chosen for the cantonment lay in ridges and 
vales, running northwest and southeast, heavily wooded with 
scrub pine and scattering trees of the deciduous varieties. Dotting 
the open land, like toy ornaments, sat the little old cottages built 
of silvered, weather-beaten clapboards; souvenirs of many win- 
ters, and of a construction, hand-hewn and massive, to secure man 
from the raging elements. Such of these dilapidated little houses 
as the Government allowed to remain standing were often, in 
later months, seized upon eagerly in maneuvers as ideal nests for 
machine guns, and as such came to fill the eye of the dough-boy 
with suspicion and distrust. Clustered around these rustic cot- 
tages, and marking spots where others of equal magnificence had 
stood, rose many delicately formed small cedars, whose dusky 
richness formed landmarks which guided many a warrior, pleasure 
bent, to satiate his craving for pears, apples and cherries in the 
abandoned orchards that adjoined them. 



2£ HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

At this time, great gangs of darkies were clearing sites and 
blasting stumps, hiding under any small brush nearby until after 
the explosion, frightened ashen-grey one moment and singing 
heart-high the next. Trucks from Truck Company S^S, which 
had only recently arrived from Texas, roared up and down the 
sandy roads, carrying piles of lumber and pipes, as well as cots and 
blankets for the first few barracks that were up. On many oc- 
casions, these trucks sank hubdeep in the soft Maryland sand, 
and it was no uncommon sight to see a mixed crowd of soldiers 
and laborers digging one of the mired trucks out of its over-soft 
resting place. Day and night the pile-drivers were at work and 
were followed in turn by gangs of carpfenters, erecting the frame- 
work of barracks, laying floors and putting on roofs, so that the 
Camp seemed to spring up from a waste almost by magic. 

Through the balance of the day the selected men came pouring into the camp. 
All in civilian attire, their habiliments were as varied as their types. Some wore 
brown suits and some checked suits, some showed the latest cuts of a custom 
tailor's art and some were attired in the baggiest of trousers, coatless and with 
shirt sleeves rolled up. Their headgear was as variegated — straw hats, felt hats, 
derby hats, caps, and no hats. They carried suitcases, bags and bundles, these 
civilians — business men, school teachers, clerks, farmers, barkeepers, peddlers, 
laborers, Americans, Hebrews, Irish, Slavs — of all occupations and of many of 
the nationalities of the earth. Some were a little frightened, some dumb-struck 
by the sudden change in the more or less even tenor of their lives, others con- 
temptuous, the majority eager, but all, consciously or unconsciously, stirred deep 
down in their souls by what they were doing. They were proud to be playing 
their part in the world's most stupendous undertaking and, as a whole, they 
were pretty sure of themselves. 

Daily, for the ensuing week, scenes similar to the foregoing were witnessed 
as contingent after contingent came swinging in, first from Pennsylvania and then 
from Maryland and the District of Columbia. 

September 20 saw 2,304 men delivered at the camp — all Pennsylvanians. 
Adams County sent 120 of these; Bucks County, 80; Chester County, 142; Cumber- 
land County, 86; Dauphin County, 225; Delaware County, 277; Chester City, 
179; Franklin County, 140; Juniata County, 45; Lancaster County, 208; Lebanon 
County, 138; Monroe County, 52; Northampton County, 75; Perry County, 59; 
Philadelphia, 113; Pike County, 29; York County, 317; and York City, 19. 

Pennsylvania's eastern counties, still contributing, on September 21, added 
2,615 to the growing total. They came as follows: Berks County, 315; Reading, 
269; Carbon County, 127; Columbia County, 133; Scranton, 208; Luzerne County, 
500; Wilkesbarre, 43; Montgomery County, 415; Norristown, 46; Montour County, 
34; Schuylkill County, 363; Sullivan County, 37; Susquehanna County, 77 and 
Wyoming County, 38. 

September 22 and 23 were Philadelphia days. Three Philadelphia boards 
had sent contingents on September 19 and one on September 20. Twenty boards 
entrained 2,490 men on September 22 and twenty-four boards sent 2,582 men the 
following day. In the five days Pennsylvania had sent 12,768 men to camp." 



CAMP :\IEADE DAYS 



23 



Camp Meade- jHEtT no 5. 




Map of Camp Meade, Md., Made by the Topoghaphic Section, 30-Ith Engineers, Fall, 1917 

This area was occupied by the 79th Division during its mobilization and training before going over- 
seas — August, 1917-June, 1918 



24 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

The District of Columbia sent its first forty-five per cent on September 26,'' 
420 of its net cjuota of 929 men arriving at a})Out the same time that the first Balti- 
more contingent heralded the beginning of the Maryland influx. The Maryland 
movement continued from September 26 to September 30. The first day 700 
men arrived from Baltimore and surrounding counties." By September 30, the 
forty-five per cent cjuota, 3,000 men, were in camp and a total of 16,000 raw re- 
cruits, from two states and the National Capital, awaited welding into soldiers. 

Camp Meade, by October 1, 1917, was well on its way to becoming the second 
largest city in Maryland, a rank which it later attained. It was an unfinished 
city, however, and remained so until about November 30 of the same year. Not 
until that later date was it of sufficient size to house the entire division and the 
depot brigade, 40,000 men in all. Like all other cantonments and large war in- 
dustries, it sprang up like a mushroom. Its construction required 450,000,000 
feet of lumber, used in the erection of 1200 wooden barracks, stables and other 
buildings. Most of the barracks were of two stories and housed between 200 and 
250 men. Fifty-two miles of sewer pipe and fifty miles of water pipe were laid, 
the latter distributing 3,000,000 gallons of water daily.' 

The cantonment was laid out along highly scientific lines with the parade 
grounds running through the centre, and the various brigade and Division units 
located to the east and west on either side. Barring the remount station, all the 
Division buildings lay to the north of the Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis 
Railroad, which passed through the cantonment grounds from east to west, with 
the Admiral and Disney sidings located on either side of the inverted "U", or 
southern mouth, of the parade grounds. Along these sidings for a distance of 
more than a mile stretched the Division warehouses. Turning northward through 
the centre of the parade grounds, on the right hand side were barracks of the 
following units in order: 304th Ammunition Train, 304th Supply Train, 304th 
Engineers, 316th Infantry, 315th Infantry, 312th Field Artillery, 23rd Engineers 
(not a Division unit), 311th Field Artillery, 310th Field Artillery and 304th Trench 
Mortar Battery. 

On the left side of the parade grounds, beginning at the south, were the bar- 
racks of the 351st Field Artillery (colored) and 368th Infantry (colored) (neither 
a Division unit), 310th, 311th and 312th Machine Gun Battalions, 314th Infantry, 
313th Infantry, Headquarters Troop, 304th Field Signal Battalion, 304th Sani- 
tary Train, 304th Division Trains and Military Police, 27th and 28th Engineers 
(not division units) , 324th Field Signal Battalion (not a Division unit) , and 154th 
Depot Brigade with its training battalions. 

Division headquarters was almost in the centre of the encampment in front 
of the 313th Infantry barracks and facing the artillery brigade, while the three 
brigade headquarters were located in barracks housing particular brigade units. 
Beyond the parade ground, nearly a mile to the north, lay the permanent base 
hospital. 

A task of tremendous magnitude confronted the officers and non-commis- 
sioned officers assembled in this large cantonment. They had been brought 
together suddenly to constitute the framework of a combat division and to direct 
its training — the training of thousands of men who had never before marched in 



CAMP MEADE DAYS 



25 



formation, shouldered a rifle, obeyed orders, or had the slightest knowledge of 
military life and discipline. Only a handful of the Regular Army officers assigned 
possessed the experience necessary for the organizing and training of this mass of 
raw material. The large body of young oflScers from the Officers' Training Camp 
was somewhat divided as to pre\'ious military experience. A great many had 
been members of the National Guard and could draw upon the training secured in 
the enlisted or commissioned ranks there, but the majority confessed to no more 
military knowledge than that gained in three months at Fort Niagara. Most of 
the soldiers from the Regular Army, slated for non-commissioned posts, had seen 
but short service, owing to the absorption of the older and more valuable enlisted 
men in the expansion of the Regular Army. In fact, in many instances, the train- 
ing cadres sent to the National Army camps were used as means to clear Regular 
Army outfits of undesirable soldiers and, hence, proved of little assistance. But, 
if there was a dearth of experience, there was no lack of zeal, willingness and abil- 
ity, which, as later events showed, met and successfully overcame all obstacles. 




New Material Going to be Outfitted 

The handling of so large a body of untrained men as was shunted into Camp 
Meade during the last eleven days of September, 1917, was a serious problem 
alone. Outside of the framework of company and non-commissioned ofiicers, 
there was no organization to enable each unit to commence immediately its daily 
routine. These new arrivals were not yet soldiers, classified according to the 
tasks for which each one was fitted, but thousands of civilians taken from every 
walk of life and suddenly plunged into a new and strange environment. It was 
necessary to determine the qualifications of all of these men — -who could cook, 
who were mechanics, who had handled horses, who were chauffeurs, and most 
important, which ones possessed the quality of leadership to hold non-commis- 
sioned rank. It was this which gave the officers many trying days and much 
serious thought before every unit was functioning smoothly. 

The personnel of the regiments was vastly different. Those which were 
made up of men drawn from Philadelphia or Baltimore contained far different 
types from those composed of men from the farm regions of the two states, and the 



26 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

farmers, in turn, differed largely from miners from the Eastern Pennsylvania 
coal regions. An excellent indication of the various kinds and classes represented 
in the Division was secured in a statistical census taken by the 310th Field Ar- 
tillery. 

In this one regiment there were fifteen nationalities, American, Russian, 
Italian, Polish, Austrian, Jewish, Swiss, English, Lithuanian, Greek, Bohemian, 
French, Irish, Roumanian, and even German. There were four different religious 
beliefs, Protestant, Catholic, Hebrew and Greek Catholic, while twenty-five men 
of the regiment asserted they had no religious adherence. As to educational at- 
tainments, but fifty men in the regiment had ever attended college, while 114 
had no education of any sort. Others had been to elementary, gramnaar and 
high schools. These statistics are typical of other units in the Division. They 
indicate the heterogeneity of the regiments and the mammoth task it was to weld 
these thousands into a fighting unit. 

Under the original plan, to place only selected men from Eastern Pennsyl- 
vania, Maryland and the District of Columbia in the Seventy-ninth Division, 
the geographical allocation was carried into the personnel of the various units 
as well. The best illustration of this method is given in the original distribution 
of the men from the fifty-one Philadelphia draft districts, which was as follows : 

315th Infantry: Contingents from Local Boards Nos. 1, 9, li, 13, 17, 19, '21, 

24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 34, 35, 36, 44, 47 and 51. 

304th Engineers: Contingents from Local Boards Nos. 2, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16 
and 23. 

312th Field Artillery: Contingents from Local Boards Nos. 8, 10, 18, 20, 22, 

25, 30, 39, 41, 48 and 49. 

316th Infantry: Contingents from Local Boards Nos. 32 and 43. 

304th Field Signal Battalion: Contingent from Local Board No. 11. 

314th Infantry: Contingents from Local Boards Nos. 3, 33, 37, 38, 42 and 46. 

304th Ammunition Train: Contingent from Local Board No. 45. 

310th Field Artillery: Contingents from Local Boards Nos. 7 and 40.-'' 

During the calling of the first 100 per cent every effort was made to assign 
tne men to the same regiment to which their predecessors from the local boards 
had gone, the idea being to make as distinct geographical units as possible. In 
carrying this out, the men from the District of Columbia were placed in the 312th 
Machine Gun Battalion; from Baltimore and Western Maryland in the 313th 
Infantry, and from Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore in the 310th Field 
Artillery. Of the Pennsylvanians from the thirty-six counties, exclusive of Phila- 
delphia, those from the mining regions were sent to the 311th Field Artillery and 
the 314th Infantry, and from the central and southern counties of the state to the 
316th Infantry, 304th Engineers, 310th and 311th Machine Gun Battalions and 
Division auxiliary troops. In the early months of the camp, before drafts from 
other sections of the United States had, in a measure, destroyed the geographical 
distinctions, two of the infantry regiments, the 313th and 315th, had been named 
"Baltimore's Own," and "Philadelphia's Own," respectively, because of their 
personnel. 



CAMP MEADE DAYS 



27 



Before the rudiments of military training could be taught to the first con- 
tingent of 16,000 men, the War Department ordered another five per cent to the 
colors and, on October 5 and 6, a two day movement brought 1,739 men from 
Pennsylvania, 350 from Maryland and 50 from the District of Columbia. In 
addition, from Pennsylvania, between October 1 and 14, came numerous delayed 
contingents which should have reported in September, totaling 1,126 men." 
The five percent and the delinquents, added to the 16,000 of the first contingent, 
brought the total of selected men at Camp Meade as of October 11, 1917, to 20,- 
300.=^ The War Department kept pace with the draft movement in supplying 
clothing for the new soldiers, and, on the same day that the total of 20,300 men 
was given for the cantonment, it was announced that the equipment which had 
gone to the camp consisted of 30,000 bedsacks, 80,532 blankets, 16,096 cotton 
breeches, 21,295 woolen breeches, 16,691 cotton coats, 24,188 woolen coats, 50,815 




Recruits Lined Up for Their First Instbuction 

summer drawers, 116,911 winter drawers, 42,062 hats, 24,111 leggings, 22,034 
overcoats, 53,996 flannel shirts, 66,878 cotton stockings, 41,453 light woolen 
stockings, 48,615 cotton undershirts, 77,595 woolen undershirts and 36,642 pairs 
of shoes. -^ 

Receiving the clothing and assigning it to the men were different matters, 
particularly in the case of shirts, breeches, shoes and socks where the question of 
size intruded. Company and regimental supply officers realized the herculean 
task soon enough, but the sympathy was never extended to them but went to the 
"rookies" who couldn't be fitted. For several weeks after the first draft con- 
tingents arrived, companies could be seen daily at drill garbed in a weird mixture 
of civilian and military attire. The parade of the non-descripts was a feature of 
almost every organization of the Division until well into October. Even after 
O. D.'s (olive drab) were supposed to be plentiful, civilian articles of apparel 
clung tenaciously to each company. The problem was solved only when the 
supply officer succeeded in begging, swapping or stealing certain needed sizes of 
blouses, breeches, leggings, shoes, etc. 



28 HISTORY OF THE SEVEXTY-NIXTH DIVI>IOX 

Throughout the first week in October work went on in earnest, and all cleared 
spaces in and about the camp were filled from early morning until night with 
squads of men jierforming setting-up exercises and receiving instructions in the 
fundamentals of military training. The general lack of knowletlge was more 
than offset by the enthusiasm with which the men sought to learn. This spirit 
brought rt^-sults and within a few weeks markeii progress had been made. Squads, 
platoons, companies, regiments, in fact, had a military appearance when as- 
sembled and the men had a soldierly bearing when alone. As an illustration of 
the enthusiasm with which the transformation from civilian to soldier was carried 
on. four days after the first men had reached Camp Meade a uniformed band 
had been organized in the Sloth Infantr>- and on September '25 it played the 
National Anthem at retreat.- And all the while, as the drilling was carried on. 
the changes throughout the camp liecame marked. The old sweet potato and 
stjawl>erry patches around the barracks rapidly became tramped bare by the 
passage of countless feet, while the erection of the barracks went on apace. Where 
once had l>een a paying truck farm was now a drill field or an athletic ground. As 
the camp neared completion the contractors' army of laborers and artisans gradu- 
ally diminisheil. Fewer lurching lumber wagons, drawn by teams of Maryland 
mules, jolteii along the uneven ro;ids with their darkey drivers dozing on the seats. 
The roads, in turn, tlirough the tireless efforts of grading gangs, became more 
and more what roads should be, while rapid progress was made on the main 
liighway. a concrete U-shaped n^ad skirting the building line of the canton- 
ment. 

The entire Division, as it was then constituted, was assembled upon the 
piirade grounds for the first time on OctoWr 11. 1917. the occasion being the for- 
mal opening of the Second Liberty Loan Drive. Genend Kuhn. from a stand 
erecteii on a knoll, delivered a brief address and the massed bands of the Divi- 
sion rendered a cretiitable performance.^ In addition to the rivalrj- between the 
thirty or more training camps and cantonments throughout the countrj- during 
the Second Loan, there was keen competition l^etween the various luiits of the 
Division to see wliich would subscribe the largest quota. In the end, ^l.TOO.OOO 
was subscril>ed by men of the Di\-ision. which took first place among National 
Army cantonments and second place among all the camps of the countrj". 

AMiile the Liberty Loan camp;iign was under way. the War Department 
made the first of a long series of drafts upon Camp Meade, robbing the Di\ision 
of many of its trained men at a time when they were most needed to train pending 
incoming drafts. Between Octolier 16 and -20 the four infantrj" regiments were 
stripjieii of l.CXXt men each and two of the artillerj- regiments of 500 men apiece, 
making a total of 5,000 transferred to the Eighty-second Division at Camp Gor- 
don. Atlanta. Ga.-* To offset this another draft movement, calling for thirty 
percent more of the first quota, was ordered by the War Department. Notifica- 
tion of the pendiiig movement was given October ^7 to the State Draft authori- 
ties^ the instructions calling for the men to be sent to camp l>etween November ^ 
and 6.-* Pennsylvania responded with 7.S06 men in the period; Maryland with 
•2,000 and the District of Columbia with •250. The result brought the Di\-ision 
strength up to alx>ut -23.000. 



CAMP MEADE DAYS 



29 



In the early days of the cantonment, the anxiety and concern of rehitivcs 
and friends of the men, wiio were solicitous for their material and moral welfare, 
caused a mixture of pity and amusement. The belief seemed to have prevailed 
that the moment a citizen put on a suit of khaki he became at once a starving hero, 
subjected to all manner of cruel and ruthless treatment from a relentless army 
discipline. Much that was both pathetic and ludicrous might be written upon 
this subject, but the main point is that the public had to be more or less educated 
to accept new and unusual situations at the same time that the citizen soldiers 
were being trained. The men themselves fell with avidity into army life. Can- 
teens appeared to take the place of the corner drug store and cigar stand; company 
messes were made more homelike by purchase of edible luxuries to garnish the 
army rations; some organizations bought cutlery and table wear and relegated 
the less inviting mess gear for use at Saturday inspections only; while sleeping in 
underwear and discarding a necktie slipped in like second nature. Man's adapta- 
bility to circumstances was evidenced on all sides. 




Bihd's-eye View of the Cantonment from Division Headqbaktebs 

At the same time the various welfare organizations stepped forward with 
much to offer in the way of recreation, amusement and education, moral and 
mental. The illiterates of the Division found, in the classes formed by the Young 
Men's Christian Association the opportunity to learn; the foreign-born, profiting 
likewise, took pride in the mastery of the English language, while the men with 
an eye to the future, who wished to speak French, found teachers only too ready 
to aid them. These various agencies, in addition to the Young Men's Christian 
Association, included the Knights of Columbus, the Jewish Welfare Board, the 
American Red Cross, the Young Women's Christian Association, the American 
Library Association, the Episcopal War Commissions of Philadelphia, Baltimore 
and Washington, and the Fosdick Commission on Training Camp Activities. Of 
all of them, probably the Y. M. C. A., with its central auditorium and eight huts 
conveniently located throughout the camp, was the most appreciated. Nightly 
entertainments, varying from song services to boxing matches, were held in each 



30 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

of the "Y" buildings, while on Sunday religious services were conducted there by 
army chaplains or by denominational clergymen from outside the camp. 

Several months after the camp opened, the Young Women's Christian As- 
sociation provided an artistic, well-built Hostess House which radiated cheer and 
hospitality to the members of the Division and the numerous visitors who flocked 
into the cantonment each week-end. The Knights of Columbus, Jewish Welfare 
Board, the Library Association and the Episcopal War Commissions also erected 
buildings for carrying on their several activities and contributed materially to the 
mantenance of contentment and morale. The Fosdick Commission provided an 
able and popular song leader in Kenneth Clark, who remained with the Division 
continuously and whose rallying cry, "Alre-a-d-y let's go-o-o-oh" became famous. 
He was a tower of strength upon many occasions. Colonel Tenney Ross, the 
Division Chief of Staff, credits Mr. Clark with doing "more than any other one 
man of or with the Division" in keeping the morale at a high standard and making 
the men satisfied with conditions. Later in the life of the camp, the Fosdick 
Commission also provided a large Liberty Theatre with a capacity of .3,000, where 
plays were provided nightly at a nominal fee. 

Recreation and amusement, however, did not interfere with the grim business 
of preparing for modern warfare By the begnning of November the canton- 
ment was ready for something more than rudimentary training. On November 3, 
two distinguished foreigners, General McLauchlin, of the British, and General 
Vignal of the French War Missions to the United States, visited the camp to 
make arrangements for the attachment of British and French officers to the Divi- 
sion for training purposes. With them came Lieutenant Paul Rochat, a French 
expert on automatic rifles. The 158th Infantry Brigade, under Brigadier Gen- 
eral Hatch, and with Colonels Rosenbaum and Charles at the head of the 315th 
and 316th Infantry, respectively, paraded 4,000 strong before the visitors.='= The 
result of the inspection was apparent when, during the next week, there arrived 
a little group of ten British and French specialists in modern warfare, together ' 
with a number of non-commissioned officers from the two Missions. Included in 
the officers were Major Duncan Campbell and Major Liebenrood, from the Brit- 
ish Mission, and Captain Marie Adolphe de Casteja and Lieutenant Rochat, 
who had accompanied General Vignal on the visit of November 3, from the 
French Mission.-' 

On Monday, November l^, the foreign officers began their courses in special 
instruction.-' Rifle ranges, bayonet courses and various types of trenches were 
constructed and the troops entered upon a period of advanced training. Every- 
thing became specialized. Bombing schools were organized, bayonet schools, 
schools of automatic arnas, intelligence schools, machine gun schools, small arms 
schools, schools of engineering, classes in gas defense, in signalling, in artillery 
fire, in first aid, in fact, schools and classes covering all of the major and many of 
the minor requirements for each of the units. 

Thanksgiving Day came and brought leaves of absence for many of the men, 
and for those left in camp menus of turkey and cranberries, celrey, ice cream and 
pie, cake and candy — a true Thanksgiving dinner. From this time on, every 
week-end long trainloads of khaki-clad, healthy and well-disciplined soldiers left 



CAMP MEADE DAYS 31 

Camp Meade for Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and the hundreds of little 
towns of Pennsylvania and Maryland which had sent their sons to form the Sev. 
enty-ninth Division. One of the largest leave of absence crowds journeyed to 
Philadelphia on December 1, to watch their Division football team play Camp 
Dix. The result was a set-back for the Seventy-ninth's championship aspirations 
as Camp Dix won, 13 to 6.-' 

In mid-December the War Department renewed its drains upon the Divi- 
sion personnel. On December 12 a large draft of men was taken from the infantry 
brigades and transferred to the Fourth Division, at Camp Greene, N. C, and on 
December 13, sixty-nine second lieutenants of the Quartermasters' Corps, who 
had been temporarily assigned to the Division, were transferred, forty-nine to 
Camp Joseph E. Johnston and the remainder to Camp Greene.^' An event of 
interest preceded the Christmas holidays when, on Saturday. December ^'J, Sec- 
retary of War Newton D. Baker reviewed the Division and was quite compli- 
mentary upon its appearance.^' As Christmas approached preparations were 
made for the celebration of the day. Greens were picked and taken into all the 
mess halls, the curriculum was suspended for four days, and company funds were 
spent lavishly. Reports of Uncle Sam's gift of turkey for the big dinner filtered 
through the camp in advance. The day passed with many of the men on leave, 
while those who were obliged to remain in camp feasted bountifully and enjoyed 
themselves as much as it was humanly possible to do upon such an occasion away 
from home and in an army post. 

With the beginning of the New Year, the War Department ordered all local 
boards to forward to Camp Meade sufficient men to fill up deficiencies in per- 
centage due to physical rejections at camp. At that time Camp jNIeade was sup- 
posed to have received eighty-six per cent of the first quota from all sources, but 
figures showed that approximately 3,000 more men were needed to make the 
eighty-six per cent accurate. ^^ The instructions were that the deficiencies were to 
be made up prior to February 15. As a result, on January 3, 1918, Philadelphia 
moved 881 men to camp. Pennsylvania's total between January 1 and February 
1-t was 1,891,'" and Maryland's and the District of Columbia's about 1,100. These 
men, unlike those who had gone before, were not assigned immediately to units 
of the Division. Instead, they were placed in the 15-lth Depot Brigade, from 
where, after partial training, they were transferred to the special and technical 
services and to other divisions. Few of them found their way into the Seventy- 
ninth Division units. They went to aviation, engineering, ordnance, quarter- 
master and other special branches of the service. Between February 2 and 5 
large drafts were sent from both the 15-lth Depot Brigade and also the long-suffer- 
ing infantry and artillery brigades to the Eighty-second Division, while another 
lot went to the Eightieth Division at Camp Lee, some to the Fifth Division and 
still others, in small dribbles, to other training camps. By the end of March, 
1918, the depot brigade was almost depleted and the Division itself numbered 
scarcely more than 15,000 men. 

Meanwhile there had been some few changes in the officer personnel. In 
January, 1918, the Third Officers' Training Camp was organized in the Division 
and, for those chosen to attend, three long months of intensive drilling, tiresome 



32 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



hours of study and nerve-racking examinations followed. On May 17, 1918, the 
camp ended with 103 soldiers receiving certificates of eligibility for commissions.^^ 
Prior to this, on December 15, 1917, a small number of commissioned men, gradu- 
ates of the Second Officers' Training Camp at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., were assigned 
to the Division.^* 

In December, 1917, and January, 1918, had come cold weather and much snow. 
The winter of 1917-1918, in fact, was one of the bitterest in years. Its frigidity 
forced a partial abandonment of outdoor work; lectures in barracks took the place 
of training on the snow-covered drill fields. Even though barrack-room stoves 
were kept red hot, it was hard to keep warm. 

Outside, the thermometer flirted always with zero. Sentries could testify 
to that as they felt the cold gripping at their finger tips and nipping their ears. 
So could the hapless companies hauled out on the ice-coated fields to stagger 
through the intricacies of a bayonet drill, each man expecting to see his opponent 
skid and receive the point of the weapon somewhere in his frozen anatomy. But 



ik-'.-Ctf 




304 ENGINEERS 



Company Drill Atter Weeks of Training 

miracles still happen, or at least they did that winter, for never a casualty was 
reported from these hazardous instructions. Right in the heart of the cold weather, 
on January 29th, the Second Battalion of the 304th Engineers was ordered off to 
Accotink, Virginia, to begin construction on one end of a spur railroad line run- 
ning from Accotink Station to Camp Humphreys. The work consisted of clear- 
ing timber, grading, making cuts and fills and building four trestles. Not until 
April was it finished and the battalion ordered back to Camp Meade. The winter 
training was dreary, at times discouraging and always amid discomforts, but the 
men persevered with unflagging zeal and, as April approach ^d, those who had 
been unmolested by the War Department drafts found themselves fast rounding 
into something considerably better than recruits. 

During February, 1918, the final contingents of the first quota had been 
called out, the men arriving at camp between February 18 and 28, with some de- 
layed shipments in the first two weeks in March. Pennsylvania contributed 
2,945 men to complete its quota;" Maryland, 1,000, and the District of Columbia 



CAMP ]\IEADE DAYS 




Emergency Road Construction by the 304th Engineers at Camp Meade 

1. Placing stringers for the foundation 

2. View of excavation and foundation 

3. Placing corduroy for the sm-face 



34 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



about 100. These proved a mere drop in the bucket to the insatiable demand 
for men from other camps and finally, in late March, a second quota was demanded 
from the divisional territory. The War Department went further afield, however, 
and dropped the old boundary lines, ordering men to Camp INIeade not only from 
Pennsylvania, Maryland and the District of Columbia, but from West Virginia 
and Ohio. The movement began on April 1 and continued, with slight interrup- 
tions, for a whole month. The final shipment, on May 1, consisted of 465 men 
from Ohio.^° The total movement was 8,316, of which '-2,700 were from Pennsyl- 
vania, 1,000 from Maryland, a few from the District of Columbia, and the bal- 
ance from West Virginia and Ohio. 

AVhile this converging movement was on foot, the various units of the Divi- 
sion acquired their first taste of army life under real field service conditions. Late 




Sunset View of Pup Tent Camp 

in March, each organization was required to hike out to the fringe of the reserva- 
tion and pitch a shelter tent camp for at least one night. The chill of wnter 
was still in the air and the ground had not yet dried out from its winter deluge 
of snow and rain. The troops, however, regarded their one night stand as a wel- 
come relief from the monotony of work in the regimental areas, and carried through 
their maneuver in a manner that drew commendation from the Division Staff. 

Shortly after this the Division was given an opportunity to show the results 
of its long months of hard work by a review in Baltimore on April 6 before the 
Commander-in-Chief of the Army, President Wilson, in commemoration of the 
first anniversary of America's entry into the World War. The Di\-ision marched 
from Camp INIeade to Baltimore and back, '2^1 miles each way, and in this, the first 
real test of endurance, the men acquitted themselves well. It was a great day 
for the Division as rank after rank of those, who a few months before had been 
untrained civilians, passed through the streets, erect in carriage, keen eyed and 



CAMP MEADE DAYS 35 

bronzed by the outdoor training. With "eyes right," platoon after platoon passed 
the official reviewing stand whereon the President and his party showed their 
appreciation of the moulding of a greater American Army as typified by the 
Seventy-ninth Division. The occasion was an especially eventful one for the 313th 
Infantry, which marched on home soil for the first time since created at Camp 
Meade. 

Shortly after the review at Baltimore, the 31'-2th Field Artillery was given 
an opportunity to shake the dust of Camp Meade for a two-days hike. On April 
25 the entire regiment, in llea^•y marching order, went out the Baltimore pike 
and wound through the picturesciue hilly country to a camp site on a bluff over- 
looking the Severn River. It was a twenty-one mile hike and wound up with 
every artilleryman in the outfit swimming in the Severn. The regiment broke 
camp the following day and returned by the shortest route to the cantonment. 
The hike was repeated on May 3 and 4, being made particularly interesting on 
the second occasion by a sham battle the first day and a rain storm during the 
night which blew down ninety per cent of the pup tents. The camp on the Sev- 
ern was made possible through the friendship between the owner of the land and 
Major James Patterson, commanding the second battalion. Excluding the re- 
view at Baltimore, the 31'-2th Artillery and the 304th Engineers were the only 
outfits to get away from Camp ]Meade for over night stretches during the period 
of the divisional training there. 

The result of the intensive and specialized training became apparent as spring 
crept on. Upon one occasion the machine gun units of the Division gave a demon- 
stration of indirect firing and barrage work before a group of officials from the 
War Department and high-ranking officers of the Army. This demonstration, 
directed by Major Liebenrood, of the Briti.sh Machine Gun Corps, was fired with 
the new Browning guns. It was a distinct success and was instrumental in es- 
tablishing confidence in the new Browning, which later resulted in its adoption 
as standard equipment. 

During the week after the return from the Division review in Baltimore, the 
S16th Infantry regiment repaired to the target range, on the southern end of the 
cantonment. ^^ For six days the men sought to make marksmen of themselves. 
During this time they slept in shelter tents, securing just a glimpse of some of the 
experiences in store for them. The 316th was followed to the range by the 315th. 
which was succeeded in turn by the two regiments of the 157th Infantry Brigade. 
On May 3, the 314th Infantry was awarded the highest honors for rapid fire work 
at the 100, SOO and 300 yard rifle range. The regiment made the best showing 
of any unit in the National Army, thirty-one of the men cjualifying for the mid- 
ranges. '' 

With the rifle practice completed, the attention of the entire Division was 
turned to the "open war game." Hitherto the trend of training had been toward 
trench warfare, but a new era of fighting seemed to be developing on the Western 
Front and its effect was apparent in the changed curriculum at Camp Meade. 
A bayonet assault course was constructed by one of the regiments as part of the 
larger scheme of offensive M'ork, and, by mid-May, the Division as a whole was 
solving real problems; "capturing" strategic points, "outmaneuvering" strong 



36 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



columns, "routing" heavy attacks, and "surprising" unsuspecting encampments. 
The new training had a novelty to it which the tedious instruction through the 
winter had lacked. The men took part with avidity in the new "game," and 
Division "oflfensives" were remarkably battle-like save for the absence of gun- 
powder. 

During the spring months a great deal of stress was laid upon the subject 
of gas training and gas discipline. Certain officers and non-commissioned officers 
were selected from each regiment to take a special course of training at the Divi- 
sion Gas School, in order that they might serve as instructors in their respective 
units. Returning from the Division course of training, they lost no time in ex- 
plaining the dread effects of German gas, to which explanations their comrades 
listened with broad, sickly grins, and learned to don the gas mask in less than five 




Rifle Practice on the Range at Camp Meade, Md., Spring, 1918 

seconds. As a grand finale to the general course of gas instruction, each com- 
pany was required to visit the gas chamber, located in a ravine near the south- 
western edge of the reservation, and there spend a certain amount of time in a 
room filled with lachrymatory gas. 

But still the Division was being robbed of its men by the War Department. 
On April 24 a total of 1900 were sent to the Twenty-eighth Division at Camp Han- 
cock, and the drain continued until June, when the Division had been reduced in 
strength to 12,000 men. This was despite the fact that in May alone 11,065 men 
were added in a third call upon the two original states. The third quota began 
to arrive on May 25, when 2,038 men were despatched from thirty-six Pennsyl- 
vania counties. The subsequent arrivals were, May 26, 1,244 from Philadelphia, 
May 27, 1,500 from Philadelphia and 1,085 from Eastern Pennsylvania and 500 
from six Maryland counties; May 28, 500 from Baltimore, 220 from Maryland, 



CAMP MEADE DAYS 37 

446 from Philadelphia and 1,180 from Pennsylvania, and jNIay 29, 675 from Balti- 
more and 618 from Pennsylvania.'* The majority of these men got no further 
into Camp Meade than the Depot Brigade, taking the place of 2,126 men for- 
warded elsewhere on May 30 and 31, of which 1502 went to Camp Lee and 574 
to Fort Niagara. These 2,126 comprised many of the men who had arrived at 
the camp in the late April draft.'' 

The reasons lying behind the wholesale raids upon Camp Meade for men are 
much in dispute. Whether it was failure of the volunteer system, failure of the 
cantonment builders to meet contract time, failure of the War Department to 
call sufficient men to the colors in the beginning, or lack of vision of the political 
leaders of the period are mooted questions. Whatever the causes were, the re- 
sidt was disheartening and discouragmg to the Seventy-nmth Division, as it was 
also called upon to furnish details of officers who were sent to the various towns / 

in eastern Pennsylvania to stmiulate recruiting for the Twenty-eighth Division, i'"*"^ 
Approximately 95,000 men were called to Camp Meade to be trained and of these 
only 27,000 were retained by the Division.^" In addition to that, of the 27,000, 
about 15,000 were men selected for military training in June of 1918 and conse- 
quently went overseas with the Division as green troops. Maryland and the Dis- 
trict of Columbia alone of the original Camp Meade area contributed quotas to 
the final draft. No more men went from Pennsylvania after the month of May. 
Maryland sent 2,150 men beginning June 22; the District of Columbia sent 300 
and the balance were received from New York City, Brooklyn, Rhode Island, 
Connecticut, Delaware, Ohio and West Virginia.*' In the time allotted before 
sailing, it was impossible to give these men, representing fifty-eight per cent of the 
Division, more than the mere rudiments of a military educaton. They secured 
overseas clothing, accoutrements and rifles along with the rest of the Division, 
learned the elements of movements by columns, had a brief lesson or two in the 
use of the gas mask and that was all. 

By June the War Department was beginning to establish records in the way 
it was shipping men to the American Expeditionary Forces. Rumors of sailing 
orders, which had been prevalent around the cantonment for several months, 
grew more believable. Issuance of the overseas equipment was evidence that a 
movement was anticipated soon. The departure between June 26 and 29 of ad- 
vance detachments from the various units was significant enough.*- The per- 
sonnel of the Division, even to the newest recruits, was more than satisfied to get 
away soon. To a man, the Division was eager to go. 



CHAPTER II 

OVERSEAS AND THE TRAINING AREA 

TN THE first six months of 1918, while the Seventy-ninth Division at Camp 
-'■ Meade was being plucked of its men more rapidly than the local boards 

could supply them, the war had brought grave conditions to the Western 
Front. The old stalemate of trench warfare was at an end. Ludendorff, that 
German Quartermaster General who specialized in shock formations, was hammer- 
ing at the Allied hue. Amiens in March ! Flanders in April! To the Marne in 
May! Montdidier in June! Four offensives in four months and the last twoof 
them toward Paris!' The Germans had battered their way to within seventy 
kilometers of the French Capital and the struggle "had cut wide swaths in the 
British and French ranks."^ Elements of three American divisions had been 
thrown into the fighting — the First at Cantigny, the Third at Chateau Thierry, 
and the Second at Belleau Woods and Vaux. More American divisions were 
training behind the battlefront and still more were on the way overseas. France, 
England and America had pooled their maritime interests in the hour of dire ne- 
cessity. The joint tonnage had transported 2-25,000 men across the Atlantic in 
May and 230,000 in June.^ July's record was to eclipse that, and, to the Seventy- 
ninth Division fell the honor of being in the forefront of the July movement. 

On June 30, 1918, General Kuhn and his staff and the Advance School De- 
tachment of the Divison, composed of various regimental officers and enlisted 
men who had left Camp Meade between June 25 and 28, sailed from New York 
for France. Their departure marked the first move of the Division toward the 
battlegrounds of Europe. The Division Commander and his staff sailed on the 
Calamares; the regimental infantry officers and all the enlisted men on the Duca 
Degli d'Abruzzi, and the regimental artillery officers on the Mongolia. These 
ships were in a convoy of ten others and arrived in Brest on July 13. 

The departure of General Kuhn left the command of the Division at Camp 
Meade to Brigadier General Nicholson, of the 157th Infantry Brigade. It was the 
second time in the history of the cantonment that he had been at the helm, there 
having been a period of about nine weeks in the winter of 1917-18 when the Com- 
manding General and his Chief of Staff made a tour of inspection on the Western 
Front. Upon General Nicholson devolved the task of entraining the Division 
for the port of embarkation. His success was noted after the war when, in an 
address before the General Staff College at Washington, the Chief of the Trans- 
portation Service, Brig. Gen. Frank T. Hines U. S. A., stated that "the Seventy- 
ninth made the quickest entrainment of any division in the United States."^ 

(38) 



OVERSEAS AND THE TRAINING AREA 39 

Changes in commanding officers in a number of the units also had taken place, 
some permanent and others merely temporary. Colonel Darrah, of the 314th 
Infantry, and Colonel Rosenbaum, of the 315th Infantry, had been promoted to 
brigadier generals and transferred to other divisions, the latter being detached 
upon the eve of departure from Camp Meade. ^ Lieutenant Colonel ^Yilliam H. 
Oury succeeded to the command of the 314th, and was promoted to his full 
Colonelcy on May 12th, 1918, and assigned to command the 314th Infantry; but 
in the 315th where the lieutenant-colonelcy was vacant and the two senior majors 
were in the Advance School Detachment, the command devoh'ed ujjon INIajor 
Francis V. Lloyd, of the third battalion.^ In the Artillery Brigade, Colonel 
Howard L. Landers had, some time before, succeeded Colonel Dan T. [Nloore in 
command of the 310tli Artillery,'' while other new leaders were Captain Edward 
\V. Madeira, Headcfuarters Troop, vice Captain Pleasonton, promoted to Major 
and assigned as Adjutant of the 157th Infantry Brigade," and ^Major Stuart S. 
Janney, Sl'ith Machine Gun Battalion, vice Major Zane, transferred. As Bri- 
gadier General Hatch also had been detached from the Division, the 158th 
Infantry Brigade command fell to Colonel Charles, of the 316tli Infantry, as the 
senior ranking officer. Also, a new unit had been organized in May, the 304th 
Engineer Train, commanded first by Lieutenant Clinton W. Morgan and later 
by Lieutenant Edward A. Hill. With all of these changes, some of several 
months previous and others of a more recent date, the manner in which General 
Nicholson and his various unit commanders won the praise of the Chief of the 
Transportation Service is a tribute to their individual ability. 

The units of the Division began to entrain at Disney Station on July 6. Ef- 
forts had been made toward the utmost secrecy in carrying out the troop move- 
ment; but for a week or more the atmosphere of the cantonment had been electric 
with rumors of the Division's departure, and on Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, 
July 7, there were quite a number of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and 
sweethearts on hand to bid the men a heart-aching farewell as companies, bat- 
talions and regiments marched across the parade ground for the last time and 
halted along the tracks, awaiting their turn to board the long trains of day coaches. 
By nightfall of July 7 all had gone except the Artillery Brigade and Ammunition 
Train. The troop trains ran north, each containing a noisy and excited crowd. 
There could be no concerted effort to give a rousing send-off to the men of the 
Division. Theoretically, no one in civilian life was to know they were going. 
Yet, somehow, at the little towns, the station platforms were fairly ■well crowded 
with cheering people, and at North Philadelphia, where all the trains made a brief 
stop, the word had spread that the Division was bound overseas, and the relatives 
and friends of Philadelphia men were on hand by the hundreds.** Beyond Phila- 
delphia lay a quick run across New Jersey, and then ferries from the Jersey City 
railroad yards took the men to the great embarkation piers at Hoboken. 

The U. S. S. Leviathan, once the famous Hamburg-American liner Vater- 
land, was waiting at Hoboken for part of the Seventy-ninth Division. On July 
7 and 8 the embarkation was carried out until slightly more than 10,000 troops 
were on board. These, with the crew, made more than 13,000. The Division 
units on board were Division Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 310th Machine 



40 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Gun Battalion, 304th Field Signal Battalion, and the 157th Infantry Brigade 
complete (313th and 314th Infantry and 311th Machine Gun Battalion). It is 
interesting to note that the two machine gun battalions were the first to sail over- 
seas equipped with the new Browning guns. 

The sailing of the great liner is best described in the words of one of the of- 
ficers of the Division who was a passenger: 

I have a distinct recollection of the evening of July 8, 1918, 
when, with a screech of her siren, the Leviathan left her pier at 
Hoboken. We had just completed our first Abandon Ship drill, 
and the troops were all on deck as the engines of the ship moved 
her away from the pier. As she swung down stream, gaining 
speed at every moment, the troops all cheered and the bands 
played. On the buildings of New York were great crowds of 







m-:. 




U. S. S. Leviath.^n 

people likewise cheering, and every whistle, both in the city and 
on the ships in the river saluted the ship. Above all, on each 
flagstaff were the Stars and Stripes, flying at half-mast in honor 
of Mayor Mitchell, who had just been killed in an airplane acci- 
dent, but flying, nevertheless, triumphant. We stayed on deck 
as the ship moved down stream in the afternoon sunlight and 
passed the Statue of Liberty, which we were not to see again for 
many long months. Finally, as twilight came and the land gradu- 
ally disappeared in the west, the word was passed to clear the 
decks and we went below. 

German submarines had appeared off the American coast in June, so war- 
ships of Squadron No. 1, Cruiser Force, U. S. N., were escorting all troopships to 



OVERSEAS AND THE TRAINING AREA 41 

a rendezvous twelve hours out of New York, where the overseas convoy usually was 
formed.' The Leviathan, because of her superior speed, left the cruisers at the 
end of the twelve hour period and steamed onward alone, disdaining protection 
in the twenty-two knot speed of her engines. Life on board was not monoton- 
ous. It could not be with 13,000 human beings packed on the great ship. The 
feeding of some 10,000 troops on board was a stupendous task in itself, but was 
accomplished successfully twice a day. The meals were served in the main salon 
of the big ex-German liner and were excellent, which is more than can be said 
regarding some of the other transports. Constant practise in the "Abandon 
Ship" drill was the chief evidence of danger from enemy U-boats. The men 
became so expert that, before many days out, they could clear their compart- 
ments and get to their lifeboat stations in slightly more than seven minutes after 
"Abandon Ship" was sounded on the bugle. Incidents typical of the voyage 
are found in a memorandum of July 13, 1918, for "Officers' Call." It is an almost 
forgotten bit of war-time literature, but quotations from it are interesting. For 
illustration, the following:'" 

Services will be held for the 313th Infantry on B deck aft 
Starboard at 10.30 A. M. tomorrow. Services will be held on B 
deck aft Port at the same time for the 314th Infantry. 

Or this: 

It is reported that Head(|uarters Company, Supply Conipany 
and part of Company G, 314th Infantry quartered in E. R. S. 1, 
moved out to dinner ahead of their time. Apparently no officers 
were present with these men. 

Or even this: 

It is reported that at the "Abandon Ship" drill 11:00 A. M., 
July 13, Company L, 313th Infantry, came from the upper decks 
with no officer leading. This Company was halted with its head 
at No. 4 Stairway, thereby causing more congestion. 

Anyone desiring reading matter on the voyage found it in the twenty-seven 
or more pages of memorandum on "Provisional Instructions on Embarkation, 
Entraining and Detraining of Troops in France and England; also General In- 
structions for Debarkation on Base Sections."^' The memorandum, as formidable 
as its title implies, consisted of an original on July 3 and extensive supplements 
on July 10 and 11. It contained information of all variety, ranging from orders 
to erase distinguishing marks from base drums to form sheets for lighter services, 
with advice on spies, French money, rest camp rations and many other matter, 
thrown in. 

Four destroyers picked up the Leviathan, when twenty-four hours out of 
Brest, on July 14. Everyone had been feeling a little uneasy, knowing they were 
in the danger zone, and it was with the greatest sense of relief and security that 
the men viewed the greyhounds which were to escort them to port. The big troop- 
ship arrived at Brest on the morning of July 15, six and one-half days after leaving 
New York'^ and but two days after the arrival of General Kuhn and the Advance 



42 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

School Detachment, who had sailed on June 30. On July 16 the debarkation was 
completed, the troops moving to Pontanezen Barracks and vicinity for a rest of 
three days.'^ 

On July 9, the day after the Leviathan sailed from Hoboken, a second convoy 
put out from New York Harbor with the 158th Infantry Brigade complete 
(315th and 316th Infantry and 312th Machine Gun Battalion), 304th Engineers, 
30-ltli Engineer Train, 304th Division Trains and Military Police, 304th Supply 
Train and 304th Sanitary Train. These units of the Division were di\ided among 
five transports, the Agamemnon, America, La France, Mount Vernon and Ori- 
zaba. The Agamemnon carried all of the 316th Infantry except Co. ^I and the 
Supply Company;" the America bore the 315th Infantry;" La France had on 
board the 312th Machine gun Battalion, 304th Engineers and Engineer Train, 
and the balance of the 316th Infantry/^ and the other Trains were on the Mount 
Vernon and Orizaba. 

Poignant recollections of this sailing from home are brought back in this 
description, written by the historian of the 316th Infantry, who was aboard one 
of the troopships of this convoj':'' 

"The subway was filled with its evening rush crowd; the 
commuters were jamming the ferries to Jersey; the lights of Man- 
hattan were barely awakening into radiance; the thoughts df some 
millions of busy humans were turning once more to home in tene- 
ment or flat or mansion, as the Agamemnon, with a hoarse blast 
of its siren, left its dock and floated down the river, past the 
crowded ferries, past the figure of Liberty and out into the broad 
Atlantic. Behind lay the imposing sky-line of New York, a mass 
of majestic ghosts in the twilight — ahead, lay France, and thte 
Western Battlefront." 

Unlike the voyage of the Leviathan, the trip of the second convoy proved 
eventful. At 11.50 o'clock on the night of July 14, the America rammed the 
British freight steamer Indesiructo. The America, at that time the third largest 
transport carrying the American flag, was running without lights at a speed of 
about fifteen knots. The big ship's bow plunged into the freighter amidships, 
plowing through it like a knife and practically cutting it in two. The Indestructo 
was hurled to starboard where it sank in seven minutes. ^^ The America, veering 
off and coming to a stop, well nigh collided with the La France.^' Lifeboats 
from the America rescued eleven of the forty-two members of the crew of the 
freighter. The rest were lost.'^ 

Two days later, on the morning of July 16, eight sub-chasers arrived to escort 
the five transports into Brest. Their presence proved fortunate when, on the 
following morning, an enemy submarine was sighted. It dove as the sub-chasers 
started toward it, and then emerged a little astern of the convoy. The after 
port gun of La France was fired and the U-boat submerged. The sub-chasers 
bombed the spot for an hour, but nothing happened.'* 

The transports reached Brest, without further incident, on the afternoon of 
July 18, and debarkation began at once. The men were marched to open fields 
adjoining Pontanezen Barracks and pitched shelter tents, resting for three days 



OVERSEAS AND THE TRAINING AREA 43 

where "the face of the land m'HS pleasant enough but the face of the sky was marred 
with continual weeping."'^ 

To return to the Artillery Brigade at Camp Meade. The three regiments, the 
Trench Mortar Battery and the Ammunition Train had watched the infantry, 
machine gunners and other units depart on July 6 and 7, knowing their own turn 
would come soon. The order arrived in time to send them forth on July 13. 
The trains took them not to Jersey City, but to the Port Richmond piers at Phila- 
delphia where, awaiting them, was the most nondescript collection of troop ships 
the men could imagine. It consisted of the Haverford and Northland, former 
liners which had been converted into au.xiliary cruisers, transports, supply ships 
or anything else the British Navy had required of them in four years of war, and 
the Saxonia, Mesaha, Nevasa and Morvada, all of which had been horse or cattle 
ships for several years. A great crowd, which grew as the word spread that the 
artillery of the Seventy-ninth Division was embarking, congregated on the water- 
front to say good-bye. During the morning of July 14, Bastille Day, the vessels 
were freighted with their human cargo. The departure is described by the his- 
torian of the 310th Field Artillery, who was on board the Northland:-'' 

In broad daylight the ship pulled out and passed down the 
river, cheered by the crowds on ferry boats and pier heads. Next 
morning the hotels of Cape May loomed out of the mist off the 
port beam; by dark we passed Fire Island Light. Wednesday 
night, the 17th, we lay off Halifax and nosed into the harbor next 
morning. The larger part of the fleet already lay at anchor but 
we lay over two days while the stragglers came in. Saturday, 
July ^20, at 8 A. M., the convoy filed out, twenty-two transi)orts 
and freighters, one light cruiser, H. M. S. Berwick, another of the 
"leaf" type, and two sub-chasers. From ships, shore and docks, 
bands played and crowds cheered. At sundown the chasers 
turned back; with the danger zone extending to our own coast, 
the great fleet seemed curiously naked and exposed." 

On July 30, the artillery transports arrived off the coast of England and 
paused to await the escort of destroyers due to guide them through the danger 
zone. This picturesciue and thrilling incident in the passage to France is well 
described by an officer of the 311th Artillery on board the Saxonia-}^ 

At last they topped the crest and tore over the horizon — 
two, four, sbc, eight destroyers — and bore down uj)on us, their 
funnels pouring out great clouds of dense black smoke, the spray 
dashing wildly from their bows, careening over to port, then to 
starboard, in seeming imminent peril of vanishing for good and 
all beneath the surface but suddenly bobbing up again and crash- 
ing through the waves. Then they were upon us. 

As we approached land, though not yet in sight, our own look- 
outs gave the dreaded warning, "Submarine in sight^" Like a 
flash the destroyers wheeled and struck across our bows to the 
starboard side. The transport came out of its lethargic mood 
and, like an ancient gray-hided monster, suddenly lurched for- 
ward with a crash and roar and dropped a shell two hundred feet 
in front of our bows, but, if the truth must be told, the gallant old 
hulk had fired at a fish which had lucklessly leapt out of its ele- 



44 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



ment, tossing up white foam in its path. Meanwhile the destroy- 
ers were combing the sea, blasting the depths for miles around 
with their powerful and deadly bombs. For some time the heavy 
detonations continued and then, slowly, steadily, a film of oil rose 
and spread, carrying the tale of success to our arms. Out it 
stretched in a great wide pool, sinister, merciless, betraying the 
death of the skulking Boche. Back swept the destroyers, and 
falling into line, the convoy pushed on, and then, in sight of land, 
our party split, each boat destined for a different port. 

The transports docked at Liverpool and Birkenhead, England, and Avon- 




Ttpical French Locomotive 

mouth, Wales, on July 31, the men being sent to the rest camp at Knotty Ash 
and subsequently to the American camp at Romsey. On the night of August 
3 and 4, the 311th Field Artillery crossed the channel from Southampton to Cher- 
bourg, France; the 312th crossed and debarked at Le Havre on August 5, and 
the 310th at Cherbourg on August 8. While the completion of this final step, 
the entire Division was at last in France. However, it was not assembled there, 
nor was it to be until after the Armistice. Henceforth, save where otherwise 
indicated, the term, "Division," will exclude the Artillery Brigade. 

Some time before the i\.rtillery Brigade reached France, the balance of the 
Division had departed from Brest for a training area. To the men, the three days 
in the rest camp had been a nightmare. But few had been billeted in the Pon- 
tanezen Barracks, the majority sleeping in shelter tents in the mud. Commenting 
upon the conditions, the historian of the 304th Sanitary Train states that "at 
first men became righteously indignant over conditions but later came to regard 
the 'rest camp' idea as an atrocious form of Yank humor, and so just grinned and 



OVERSEAS AND THE TRAINING AREA 



45 



stood up under the strain.--" On July 19, Division Headquarters, Headquarters 
Troop, SlOtli Machine Gun BattaHon and the 157th Infantry Brigade were marched 
back to Brest and informed that they were headed for the Twelfth Training Area- 
to which had been ordered all of the Division except the Artillery Brigade and 
the Artillery Section of the Ammunition Train. The men embarked in some- 
thing new — French box cars, now forever famed in American Expeditionary Force 
annals as "Hommes 40, Chevaux 8," a title drawn from the legend painted upon 
each car. These queer vehicles called to mind a paragraph in the debarkation 
memorandum which had read:" 




An "8-40" French Box-car — the Soldier's Traveling Pal.\ce 

Box cars are usually provided for the accommodation of the 
troops. They hold from 3'-2 to 40 men. Sometinies seats are 
provided. Straw will be pro^■ided whenever practicable to make 
the men as comfortable as possible when traveling in cold weather. 
Space at each end of the car should be left clear for rifles, rations 
and accoutrements; the rifles being secured by an improvised rack 
made with screw rings and a strap or sling. 

The paragraph had not exaggerated. If anything, it had painted a prettier 
picture than the real articles turned out to be. For three days these box cars 
were the habitation of the "Hommes 40"; fortunately there was no attempt to 
crowd in the "Chevaux 8." The way led through the very heart of France, dis- 
closing scenes of rural beauty which thrilled and yet saddened the men. The 
absence of young men in the towns and villages and the use of women to take 
their places in fields provided a deep reminder of what war meant. Men 
unaccustomed to a dearth of youth for farm work, found it strange indeed to see 
women spading or plowing in the fields. German prisoners also were seen work- 



46 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

ing along the railroads. And the men of the Division from the farming com- 
munities eyed with astonishment the land cultivated and divided into neat little 
strips of different kinds of crops. Always the French people were cheerful, inter- 
ested in the Americans, and gave them gay receptions. The route led by way of 
Laval-Rennes and Le Mans. At the latter place while one of the troop trains 
stopped in the train shed, a number of Turkos were brought in wounded, all cov- 
ered with mud and badly cut up. In a large baggage hall many stretchers were 
lined up, each containing a very badly wounded man. The men standing about 
were astonished to think that a battle was on so near; that is, near enough to al- 
low men so badly wounded to be transported from it and still live. The wonders 
and discomforts of the ride were brought to a close only with the arrival, on July 
22, in the Twelfth Training Area around Chatillon-sur-Seine. 

Before the balance of the Division put in an appearance at Chatillon-sur- 
Seine, General Headquarters decided suddenly that the Seventy-ninth Division 
should go to the Tenth Training Area, around Champlitte and Prauthoy, in the 
Department of Haute-Marne and midway between Dijon and Langres. The 
decision was reached in time to divert tlie 158th Infantry Brigade, which had 
entrained at Brest on July 21 and 22, but the 157th Infantry Brigade and Division 
units were getting comfortably ensconced in the Twelfth Training Area and had to 
be rooted out of their billets around July 25 and consigned to truck trains for 
another ride. Fortunately, the distance was short. By July 29, the final units 
had reached the area designated. Division Headquarters were established at 
Prauthoy; 157th Infantry Brigade Headquarters at Champlitte and 158th Infantry 
Brigade Headquarters at Vaux-sous-Aubigny near Esnomes. The various out- 
fits were scattered among some thirty-eight towns, a few being Boussenois, Choil- 
ley, Chassigny, Percy-le-Grand, Maatz, Dommarien, Courcelles, Chalancey, and 
Leuchey, which made up the area. The soldiers were billeted in stables, barns 
and anything else with a roof on it. In many instances "the billets of the men 
were identical with the billets of horses, cows and chickens; foul, dark, damp 
places, reeking with a million unsavory odors."" The 304th Sanitary Train had 
its work cut out during that occupation of the training area and spent many weeks 
making that particular spot in France measure up to American Sanitary stand- 
ards. 

By the first of August the intensive training schedule was laid out and the 
men realized suddenly that the lessons of Camp Meade days had been little more 
than the primer of warfare. Several of the French officers, assigned to the Div- 
ision in America, had accompanied it overseas and they were augmented by many 
more, all specialists in their several lines — Captains Antoine Prevost Du Comte, 
Antone Raoul Erondelle and Robert Feuardent, First Lieutenants Paul Medinger, 
Louis Olivier, Emile Comoy, Stephan Knocker, and Second Lieutenants Edouard 
Cauchois, Henri Castel, Raymond Bezancon, Andre Garelle and Jean Bezos.^ 
Eight hours a day were devoted to training, and made a varied and crowded cur- 
riculum. 

The war was not waiting for anyone in those days of August, 1918. The 
German had shot his bolt at Rheims and Chateau Thierry on July 15 and was 
being hurled back by American and French troops across the Marne and the 



OVERSEAS AND THE TRAINING AREA 47 

Ourcq to the Vesle, while, further north, the British had opened up the magnifi- 
cent August offensive in which two more American divisions were about to par- 
ticipate. 

It was the task of the Seventy-ninth Division to learn much and learn quickly, 
for it was needed at the front. Rifle ranges were constructed and the men who 
had joined in the June draft had their first opportunity to receive instruction in 
musketry, to fire at various ranges and to become generally acquainted Mitli 
their rifles. Specialists were selected and received individual instruction as 
automatic riflemen, carriers, rifle grenadiers, runners, bombers and so forth. A 
Division Intelligence School, established at St. Broingt-Le-Bois, had a large 
attendance and trained the men who subsequently functioned in the intelligence 
detachments with division, brigade and regimental headquarters. The machine 
gun battalions sent experts to the machine gun companies of the infantry to train 
them in handling the light Brownings, first of their kind to be used abroad.'-* 
Maneuvers formed a large part of the instructions. Division terrain exercises 
were held weekly in the ^-icinity of Freftes near Champlitte, to train the elements 
of the Division in the important work of liaison and combat. 

In the middle of August, the officers and men who had formed the Advance 
School Detachment rejoined the Division, and others were sent to the Second 
Corps School at Chatillon." Some changes had also been made in the unit com- 
manders. On July 27, Lieutenant Colonel Alden C. Knowles, of the 316th In- 
fantry, had been transferred to the 315th Infantry and was later commissioned 
a colonel and assigned permanently to the regiment.-* In the SlOth Machine Gun 
Battalion, INIajor A. W. Smith was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and became 
Divisional ^Machine Gun Officer, being succeeded by Captain J. L. Evans, pro- 
moted to major." On August 14, Brigadier General Robert H. Noble arrived 
and was assigned to the command of the 158th Infantry Brigade.-- 

As the period of training approached an end, surplus clothing and equipment 
were salvaged. Steel helmets and gas masks were issued. The gas officers and 
non-commissioned officers, recently returned from a short term at gas school, 
told gruesome stories of the German use of different kinds of deadly vapors. 

Influenza first made its presence felt in the Division in the latter part of 
August. In one organization, the 304th Engineers, the epidemic became so 
severe that it was quarantined. In the late August period, the Division had a 
total of about 600 cases with four per cent mortality.-^ 

The country about Champlitte and Prauthoy had never been scorched by 
the fires of the World War. It was picturesque from one end of the training area 
to the other, with the peasants always ready to extend a hearty greeting. ]Men of 
the Ammunition Train tell of a large sign displayed on the town hall, or hotel 
de ville. of one of the places they entered, bearing the inscription, "Welcome to 
our American Friends," and of the formal address of welcome delivered by the 
town's patriarch, while the children and girls threw flowers to the men standing 
in the ranks. There was, however, little to do in the area by way of recreation. 
At the end of a hard day's work the sole amusements would be a stroll through 
quaint village streets, a halting conversation with a native, or a glass of light 
wine sipped in a sidewalk cafe. Regulations forbidding the sale of strong liquors 



48 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

were enforced by the military authorities, and were well observed on the part of 
the French population. The conduct of the American soldiers, General Kuhn is 
quoted as saying, was in every respect all that could be desired. 

News of what was going on at the front was received by the various units 
daily. On August 18, the office of G-2, Seventy-ninth Division, began the issu- 
ance of Summaries of Intelligence, which embraced the activities of the Allies 
and the enemy, and the mimeographed copies were posted on each company bul- 
letin board for one day and then destroyed.^' Copies of the London Daily Mail, 
the Continental edition of the New York Herald, the Stars and Stripes, and news- 
papers and magazines from home, were read with eagerness. 

In late August three officers of the Division participated in a successful de- 
ception of the enemy as to the actual point where the initial attack of the First 
American Army was to be launched. The trio, none of whom dreamed they were 
merely acting as decoys were. Major George A. Wildrick, G-3 of the Division 
staff; Major Alfred R. Allen, of the 314th Infantry, later killed in action and Major 
Norman E. Borden, of the 315th Infantry. They were sent under secret orders 
to Belfort, in the Sixth (American) Corps front line sector, near the Swiss border. 
At Belfort they were instructed to make a reconnaissance of the sector opposite 
Altkirch, which, they were told, would be the area selected for the Seventy-ninth 
Division to attack in a pending offensive, vast preparations for which were al- 
ready underway. As the officers learned long afterwards, the entire affair was a 
"demonstration" which misled the Boche and resulted in some German divisions 
being sent to that part of the front, with the consequent weakening of other sec- 
tors. This will explain many a rumor which circulated in the Division Training 
Area at the time. The ruse was so well kept a secret that it deceived everyone 
except those few who knew its purpose. 

September came and the first day of the month found several of the units 
that were billeted on the outer edge of the area, headed toward Champlitte, with 
full field equipment, on a march of concentration which was scheduled to con- 
clude with a divisional maneuver by the entire Division on September 3d. How- 
ever, before the end of the first day's hike, news had apparently reached Division 
Headquarters that changed the whole complexion of affairs, for the units which 
were already on the road received orders to return to their billets the following 
day. To the rank and file of the Division this news indicated strongly that some- 
thing important was in the wind, and that idea was strengthened materially by 
a secret order with a long supplement which were issued by Division Headquarters 
on September 1 and 4, respectively, and which was found to contain important 
general instructions regarding movements in front line positions, concealments, 
reconnaissances, combat employment, infantry deployment, artillery barrages, 
cleaning-up operations, organization of conquered ground, liaison, etc.'^ Divi- 
sion Headquarters had nothing to say specifically, but rumor said much. The 
men listened to rumor and waited, but not for long. 



OVERSEAS AND THE TRAINING AREA 



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50 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




Lt. Woods and the Post Office Detachment. 










RcE DE Langres, Prauthot, Haute Marne — 79th Division Headquarters, July 2!)-Sept. 8, 1918. 



CHAPTER III 

THE AVOCOURT-MALANCOURT SECTOR. 

THE training period of the Seventy-ninth Division in the Tenth Area came 
to an abrupt termination on September 7, 1918, when, in the early hours 
of the afternoon, a telegram from General Headquarters at Chaumont 
came ticking into the Division telegraph office at Prauthoy. It was concise and 
it was welcome, this message, which read:' 

G-3 No. S'Sl. The Seventy-ninth Division will proceed by train, 
morning 8th September to Robert Espagne Area, west of Bar-le-Duc, 
reporting upon arrival to Second French Army for tactical control and 
administration. Entraining points: Vaux-sous-Aubigny, Maatz, La 
Ferte-sur-Amance, Oyrieres. Detraining points: Longeville, Mussey, 
Revigny. Billeting parties will proceed tonight to new area reporting 
for arrangements to Zone Major at Robert Espagne. One officer will 
report at Second French Army Headquarters at Laheycourt after- 
noon September 8th. After detraining all precautions will be taken 
as to sacrecy of movement. Acknowledge receipt. 

DRUM 

Within two hours Field Order No. 1, the first in the history of the Division, 
and indicative in its very title of marches, bivouacs and battles, was on its way 
to each unit in the wide-spread area, telephone calls in advance summarizing its 
contents to the various commanders.- A wave of suppressed excitement com- 
municated itself to the men, first around Division Headquarters, then further 
afield, to the Headquarters Troop, the Supply Train and the Military Police, all 
billeted not far off. Everyone was positive the Division was headed for the 
front line, but no one knew in what direction. That first Field Order was a model 
of discretion. It conveyed to the Division at large only a part of the informa- 
tion contained in the telegram from Chaumont. It told the men where they 
were to entrain, but it did not mention where they were to get off. The fact 
that the Robert Espagne Area was the destination and that the Seventy-ninth 
Division would pass from American to French control were matters confided in 
the beginning to only a few — the G-1 section of the Division staff. 

Briefly, Field Order No. 1 concerned itself with getting the men out of the 
Tenth Training Area as rapidly as it could be done. It assigned each unit to 
one of the four entraining points specified by G. H. Q.; designated the officers to 
be responsible "for detailed arrangements regarding the march to entraining 
points;" stated that the motorized trains would proceed under their own power; 

(51) 



52 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

provided for the early departure of the advance billeting parties; directed the 
entrainment to be made September 8 and 9, and announced that Division Head- 
quarters would close at Prauthoy at 8 P. M., or 20 H. according to the French 
time which our army had adopted, September 8 and reopen at the same hour 
and date at the ultimate destination. As to the destination, the order specified 
that "detraining stations will be indicated to Commanding Officers of Trains 
on arrival at 'first destination.' This information will not be communicated by 
C. O. of Trains to others."^ The precaution warning of the G. H. Q. telegram 
was being observed even in advance of detraining. 

At Vaux-sous-Aubigny, located just south of Prauthoy, and where the major 
portion of the Division was to entrain. Brigadier General Noble was in charge. 
Units ordered to that point were Division Headquarters, Headquarters Train 
and Military Police, Headquarters Troop, the three Machine Gun Battalions, one 
company of the Ambulance Section of the Sanitary Train, 158th Infantry Brigade 
Headquarters, and the 315th Infantry. La Ferte-sur-Araartce, the second en- 
training point, was outside the Training Area to the east and was under the charge 
of Colonel Oury, of the 314th Infantry. To it were ordered the 314th and 316th 
Infantry and the balance of the 304th Sanitary Train. Maatz, with Colonel 
Jervey, of the 304th Engineers, in charge, was in the very centre of the area and 
was the entraining point for the 304th Engineers and Engineer Train, the 304th 
Ammunition Train (less the Artillery Section), the 304th Supply Train, Sales 
Commissary No. 21, attached to the Division, and the Y. M. C. A. representatives. 
The final point, Oyrieres, under Brigadier General Nicholson, of the 157th In- 
fantry Brigade, lay south of Champlitte, and was designated for both the 157th 
Infantry Brigade Headquarters and the 313th Infantry .^ 

Practically all the Division units, save the 316th Infantry, were within a few 
hours march of entraining points. The 316th, however, with Regimental Head- 
quarters at Choilley, near Prauthoy, was forced to proceed eastward on foot across 
two-thirds of the Training Area. Consequently, to comply with the schedule, it 
was necessary for it to move first, and, two hours after the order had been re- 
ceived, the third battalion was swinging out in heavy marching column, followed, 
before dawn, by the remainder of the regiment.^ 

Meanwhile, in the small towns from Chalancey in the far west to Argil- 
lieres in the east, the Training Area was seething with activity, as Town Majors 
called for statements of claims and damages to settle their accounts; company 
clerks dismantled field orderly rooms; officers' trunks and boxes were pushed into 
far corners of billets to be stored; final instructions were given, packs rolled with 
care and properly adjusted, and farewells exchanged with the villagers. And 
while the preparations went on, through the night of September 7 and the morning 
of September 8 the rain fell in abundance, breaking a drought which had 
been upon the area for more than a month and breaking it at a time when the 
Division fervently desired dry weather. 

The entrainment began on the morning of September 8, long lines of French 
box cars having been pushed in to the designated points during the night. The 
first train from each point, departing sometime before noon, carried the advance 



THE AVOCOURT-MALANCOURT SECTOR 



53 



billeting parties of the regiments and such separate units as could be crowded 
on board.^ Division Headquarters, 158th Brigade Headquarters and the 315th 
Infantry cleared Vaux-sous-Aubigny that day; the 31-tth Infantry cleared La Ferte- 
sur-Aniance; 157th Brigade Headquarters and the 313th Infantry cleared Oyrieres, 
and the 304th Engineers (less two companies*) and part of the trains cleared Maatz. 
On September 9 the balance of the Division, with one exception, departed on 
the long troop trains. This exception was a battalion of the 316th Infantry 
which did not get away until the early morning of September 10,^ the men having 
marched for hours in a driving rain to reach the entraining point.' 

The commanding officers of the trains had been told by aides from G-1 just 
where the Division was bound, the information having been vouchsafed at the 
last minute, but the men remained in total ignorance throughout the trip. The 




Preparing to Go to the Front. 

four entraining points were on branch lines of the main Paris-Belfort Railroad. 
The way led generally north over the branches to the junction at Chalindrey and 
then due north through Chaumont (G. H. Q.) and St. Dizier to Longeville, Mus- 
sey, or Revigny, as the case might be. Each of the detraining points lay on the 
section of the railroad between St. Dizier and Ste. Menehould, the most northern, 
Revigny, being just forty kilometers due west of the apex of the St. Mihiel salient. 
Longeville and Mussey lay within the Robert Espagne Area, but Revigny was 
beyond it. As a result, the units which detrained at the former towns had but 
brief marches, ranging from two to eight kilometers, to their billets, while those 
sent through to Revigny spent long hours on foot in a heavy rain storm before 
reaching the villages assigned to them. Division Headquarters had, meanwhile, 
opened at the town of Robert Espagne, ten kilometers southwest of Bar-le-Duc. 



54 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

To complete the official passage to French control, G. H. Q., on September 9, 
transferred the Seventy-ninth Division from the Sixth to the Third American 
Corps and attached the Third Corps to the Second French Army.' 

The northern part of the Robert Espagne Area had been in the hands of the 
Germans in 1914, when they had swung to the southward just prior to the first 
battle of the Marne. Many of the villages in 1918 showed the effects of the Boche 
occupation in 1914 and afforded to the men of the Division their first glimpse of 
war devastation. It was merely a glimpse, however, as the worst damage in the 
Robert Espagne Area was but slight in comparison to the ruins which they were to 
see in the future. The French civilian population had thronged back as soon as 
the Boche left, and the Seventy-ninth Division found with surprise that the area 
was far richer and more densely populated than the one it had just left. 

Great troop concentration was going on somewhere further east as the Divi- 
sion moved in. Just where and why intrigued the men. Those detraining at 
R^vigny had passed columns of Italian infantry on the road, just coming out of 
the line,^ and all the troop trains had been delayed while specials, routed through 
and laden with Americans of other divisions, passed them bound eastward. On 
every side were preparations which indicated a big offensive somewhere near. It 
was the gathering of the First American Army for the attack on the St. Mihiel 
salient, although the ranks of the Seventy-ninth Division knew nothing more of 
the plans than what they saw with their own eyes. Division Headquarters knew 
what was pending, but Division Headquarters, with instructions before it to start 
the Division for the front line not later than the night of September 12, knew also 
that the St. Mihiel offensive was not to require the services of the Seventy-ninth. 

The instructions regarding the next move of the Division had been received 
on September 9 from the Second French Army. They were contained in what 
was known as Special Order No. 3518/3 which specified that "the Seventy-ninth 
Division, U. S. A. (actually without artillery), stationed in the zone of Robert 
Espagne(Hq), Fains, Longeville, Sommelonne, is placed, beginning 12 Sept at 
the disposition of the 17th Corps (French) to relieve 157th Div. (French)."' 

The special order divided itself between instructions for the relief by the 
Seventy-ninth Division and subsequent movements of the 157th French Division. 
That part pertaining further to thi Seventy-ninth Division directed that cadres 
of the Division carry on necessary reconnaissances to reduce to a minimum the 
duration of the relief; that the move from the Robert Espagne Area be "by autos, 
for the unmounted elements" and "by roads for the mounted elements and trains"; 
that a General Staff officer from the Division report to the Third Army Bureau, 
Greneral Staff, Laheycourt, at 11 A.M., September 11, to regulate the relief move- 
ment, and that the Division supplies should be requisitioned through the Fourth 
French Army and would be received at Rampont Rail Head.' 

Secret Order No. 3, of the Seventy-ninth Division, was issued on September 
10 to cover preliminary arrangements for the pending move. It stated that "the 
Seventy-ninth Division will relieve troops in a front line sector within the next 
two or three days" and added that officers to be concerned with the relief would 
be despatched on reconnaissance to the sector in question the following day. 



THE AVOCOURT-MALANCOURT SECTOR 55 

Further, it directed that the Division should not undertake any •nork not con- 
nected with the maintenance of the troops "other than that required in connec- 
tion with salvage, equipment of troops and what is absolutely necessary to make 
billets habitable."- The exact contents of the individual field kit was set forth 
as was what constituted company baggage, and it was made mandatory that all 
equipment in excess of the list should be salvaged at once.- The men were ac- 
quainted with only the latter part of the secret order, the part regarding the front 
line sector and the reconnaissance being withheld from them. However, the in- 
structions regarding unnecessary work and field kits indicated to them that the 
stay in the area would be brief. 

Two days later, at noon on September I'S, came the second Field Order from 
Division Headquarters.^ It was all embracing, naming the section of the front 
line to be taken over as Sector 304, and giving explicit instructions not only for 
the departure from the Robert Espagne Area but for the actual relief of the units 
of the 157th French Division. A table showing the order in which the units 
would depart from the area accompanied it, and this indicated that the first to 
move would be the 313th and 315th Infantry regiments and a company of both 
the 311th and 312th Machine Gun Battalions, scheduled to embus that night. 
The necessity for absolute secrecy was set forth in a paragraph which read:' 

On and after embussing all unnecessary noises will be avoided, smok- 
ing is prohibited during the night and after debussing the rattling of equip- 
ment will be prevented. No memlier of the command will, peiulitig 
arrival at debussing point, furnish any information as to his identity, 
the organization to which he belongs, his mission or destination, to any 
person other than an officer of the 79th Division or Military Police 
personnel. 

Busy with final inspections of su]iplies and equipment and issuance of emer- 
gency rations, the Division, nevertheless, paused in its preparations on September 
12 to listen to the guns rumbling far over to the eastward. The noise had begun 
long before daybreak with what was apparently a barrage of some hours, and 
had lessened through the morning and afternoon. The men speculated about it 
as they worked but did not learn until afterwards that it was the First American 
Army pinching out the St. Mihiel salient. 

That night the first units started away to the northward, all movements from 
then on being made under the cover of darkness. Into the small towns, as dusk 
fell, came long trains of French motor trucks, each truck capable of holding twenty- 
two men. The drivers were Anamites, French Colonial troops from Indo-China, 
who, bundled in great coats of goatskin and wearing French helmets, tam-o'- 
shanters, caps or turbans, presented odd spectacles to an American eye. The 
Anamites showed no expression on their faces, but soon proved that they could 
make their camions go like the wind. The trains, in long columns, moved cross- 
country to the Verdun- Bar-le-Duc road, (the "Sacred Way" of France which had 
been the means of feeding Verdun in 1916,) and turned northeastward along it. 
The men had no means of knowing this. It was pitch dark; village lights were 
extinguished as a precaution against air-raids, and non-coms in each camion en- 
forced rigidly the prohibition against smoking. The trucks bounced and pitched 



56 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



over the uneven road beds while the occupants sought comfort by standing up, 
or squatting or lying down, but found it not. All through the night the journey 
continued, the columns leaving the main highway finally near dawn, and bearing 
more to the north. When the first streaks of light appeared in the sky, the trucks 
stopped and the men, stiffened and sore, piled off. The Anamites, the unloading 
completed, cranked up and moved off, the now empty camions turning back to 
the south before their presence might betray to German aerial observers that 
troops were in the vicinity. 

Officers hurried the men off the roads and into the woods for cover. As 
they went, they eyed in awe the sight before them — villages in ruins, fields pitted 




BLERCOTjBivMEtrsE, 79th Division Headqtjakteks, Sept. 13 to 15, 1918. 

with shell holes and showing only the rank vegetation which betokened neglect, 
and mud, mud everywhere, regular quagmires through which they sloshed. It 
was the region lying between Rampont, Blereourt and Dombasle, not more than 
a dozen kilometers southwest of Verdun, and just south of the Avoeourt-Malan- 
court Sector — a part of the original French Sector 304. The devastation had been 
wrought by the German guns of 1916 striving to cut off the supply source during 
the heroic defense of Verdun. 

Division and Brigade Headquarters had moved with the first echelon of the 
Division on the night of September 12 and at 3 A. M., September 13, Division 
Headquarters was established at Blereourt,^ 157th Infantry Brigade Headquarters 
being located at Recicourt, and 158th Brigade Headquarters at Dombasle at 



THE AVOCOURT-MALANCOLTRT SECTOR 57 

9 o'clock the same morning.^ On tlie night of September 13 another echelon 
of the Division, including the 314th Infantry and the bulk of the 316th Infantry, 
made the camion trip from Robert Espagne, and on the night of the 14th and the 
morning of the 15th, the remainder came up the "Sacred Way" to Blercourt and 
vicinity. Between September 14 and 16 the various motorized trains also pulled 
into the new area until the entire Division had arrived. Before the relief of the 
157th French Division, as set forth in Field Order No. 2, was taken up, a special 
order from G. H. Q. on Septemlier 13 directed that a battalion of the 304th Engi- 
neers and the Engineer Train should proceed to Dombasle for service in Engineer 
Park and to supply forward engineering dumps.'" 

On the night of September 13, the relief began. The 313th and 315th In- 
fantry regiments, designated to take over the front, were in position and ready 
for guides by 9 P. M., September 13, the regimental headquarters of the 313th 
being at Camp de Pommieres and of the 315th being at Dombasle. The ofBcers 
had a working knowledge of the positions they were to assume, as the field order 
had pointed out that Sector 304 was divided into two brigade sectors, the one on 
the right (Favry) being held by the 333rd French Infantry, and the one on the 
left (Avocourt), by the 371st Infantry (colored), a unit of the Ninety-third Amer- 
ican Division, which, throughout the war, fought 'with the French. 

On the right, where the 315th Infantry moved in at dark, the sector was 
sub-divided into equal parts for a two battalion front. The second battalion 
was on the right (Zouaves) and the first battalion on the left (Legrand), each 
with a company in the front line trenches, two more in the zone of resistance and 
one in reserve at the respective battalion headquarters. A company of the 312th 
Machine Gun Battalion was in support of the second battalion, and the regimental 
machine gun company was in support of the first battalion. The third battalion 
acted as brigade reserve and had three companies secreted in Normandie Woods 
and one company at regimental headquarters, then 'established on Hill 309, im- 
mediately behind the headquarters of the advance battalions." 

The left half of the sector, where the 313th relieved the colored men of the 
371st Infantrj', was also sub-divided for a two battalion front. The third bat- 
talion was on the right (La Noue) and the second battalion on the left (Croix 
Presheur), the positions of the companies corresponding to those assumed in the 
advance battalions of the 315th Infantry. A company of the 311th Machine Gun 
Battalion and the regimental machine gun company were in support from right 
to left. The first battalion of the regiment was in brigade reserve behind regi- 
mental headquarters at Verrieres.* The 314th and 316th Infantry were in re- 
serve, the former in Camp Deffoy, and the latter in Camp Normandie, north 
of Dombasle. 

While the companies in the advance line and those in the zones of resistance 
reached their assigned positions before dawn on September 14, the relief was not 
completed over the entire sector until 5:30 o'clock on the morning of September 
15.'^ The original front, as then taken over by the Seventy-ninth Division, 
covered roughly a distance of about four and one-half kilometers from a point a 
few hundred metres west of the hamlet (long since destroyed) of Avocourt to a 
point about 500 metres southeast of the town of Haucourt (likewise in ruins). 



58 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




Shell Pitted Area Directly ix Front of Line Where 79th Relieved the French. 



THE AVOCOURT-MALANCOURT SECTOR 59 

The defensive system consisted of a series of outpost trenches which were con- 
nected by means of communicating trenches, or boyou, with island strong points, 
and these formed the main line of resistance. The usual barbed wire entangle- 
ments were in place, and several batteries of 75 's, from the 203rd and 211th 
French Artillery regiments, were assigned to furnish the necessary protective 
artillery fire. 

A study of any war map of the Western Front will show that this area lies 
on the high water mark of the ebb and flow of the battle of Verdun. For almost 
the whole of the preceding four years of the war the line, for some ten kilo- 
meters to the west, had surged backward or forward scarcely a yard. It had lain 
practically anchored fast by the impregnable depths of the Argonne Forest on the 
extreme left. For about the same distance to the east, that is, to the Meuse River, 
probably no ground in the entire theatre of the war had witnessed so much con- 
flict of the bitterest sort. This was the battlefield of Verdun where the great 
Armies of France and Germany had fought the greatest battles in history — the 
battlefield of Verdun with Le Mort Homme and Hill SOi, in all their ghastly mem- 
ories, rising within or near the sector now being held by the Seventy-ninth Divi- 
sion. 

Facing the Avocourt-Malancourt sector, the Germans held one of the most 
formidable of their positions on the entire Western Front. Just 500 meters be- 
yond the Division outpost line on the right lay the ruins of Haucourt, and a half 
kilometer beyond that Malancourt, another town in name only. The outpost 
line on the left faced the eastern edges of the Bois de Malancourt, while in between 
was the pock-marked, shell-torn strip of "No-Man's land." To the north, the 
country rolled in a series of rough, steep hills and ravines, which were literally 
covered with barbed wire entanglements as well as small clumps of trees and under- 
brush. On the horizon, the dominating heights of Montfaucon rose threaten- 
ingly, the white ruins of the village on its crest giving it a curious snow-capped 
appearance. It was from these heights that the German Crown Prince had ob- 
served the futile assaults upon Verdun two years before. So strong was this posi- 
tion that the Germans called Montfaucon the "Little Gibraltar" and boasted 
that it could never be taken. Even French oflScers were positive that no frontal 
attack ever would be attempted upon the place. Strong as the enemy positions 
were by nature, the Boche had rendered them still more formidable by four years 
of ceaseless labor, constructing trenches, gun positions, entanglements and pill 
boxes, all on ground chosen particularly for defensive purposes. 

This scheme of defense had been organized and constructed in accordance 
with the best tactical principles of the German High Command. Montfaucon 
was on the main line of German resistance about six kilometers in the rear of the 
Boche front line. The German outpost zone on the immediate front of the Sev- 
enty-ninth Division was about three kilometers in width. This was due to the 
fact that the most advanced German line, known as the Hagen Stellung, con- 
sisted, between Haucourt and Avocourt, of an abandoned element of the French 
line, and the chief line of resistance in the outpost zone — the Hagen Stellung Nord 
— was the original German line. The battle zone, north of the Hagen Stellung 
Nord line, was of a depth of about three kilometers." Behind that, on beyond 



60 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Montfaucon, the ground was heavily defended clear to the Kriemhild Stellung 
(Hindenbiirg Line) fifteen kilometers away from the American outposts in the 
Avocourt-Malancourt sector. 

No doubt on account of the formidable nature of the German position, for 
two years this sector had been known as a quiet one. To quiet sectors it was the 
custom to send those troops who, worn and decimated by long periods of action 
elsewhere, had need of a protracted period of inaction for rest and recuperation. 
Like all such sectors, by mutual understanding, all activity was kept at a mini- 
mum and on both sides the plan of defense, so far as the front line was concerned, 
had been devised with this idea in view. As a result, the men of the 313th and 
315th Infantry on outpost found that the system consisted of a series of half- 




Aeroplane View While Boche Were in Montfaucon, Taken Sept. 2, 1918. 

platoon posts — 20 men — scattered at about quarter mile intervals along the 
front line trench, four posts assigned to each company. The rest of the 
company, that is, two additional platoons, were located at convenient points 
within a thousand yards to the rear, with the line of resistance approximately 
another thousand yards further back, and the balance of the formation as previ- 
ously described. 

The relieving units of the Division, at the time they "took over," had been 
instructed that under no consideration was this plan of defense to be altered in 
any way without the consent of the Commanding General. It was desired that 
every precaution be taken to conceal from the Germans that a change of units on 
their front had taken place. There was no doubt that the plan of defense under 



THE AVOCOURT-MALANCOURT SECTOR 61 

the conditions was an admirable one and entirely adequate for meeting any situ- 
ation that might arise without some forewarning through intelligence channels. 
In that case it could have been altered quickly to meet the special situation. 

For those of the men assigned to the little half-platoon outposts, however, 
the matter appeared in a totally different light. There were only twenty or so 
of them to each post and they were anywhere from a half to three quarters of a 
mile from any support. They were there to give warning of any attack and to 
resist it to the utmost. Their sole mission was "to die as loudly as possible." 

To the men of the Division in the outpost lines, and, in a lesser degree to the 
troops stationed on the line of resistance and in reserve, the task of taking over a 
sector of the front line presented a stiuation beset with innumerable thrills. Every- 
thing was new, strange, and weird. In the outpost lines, the battered, crumbling 
trenches, oftentimes only waist deep, which zig-zagged through the sea of shell 
holes, gave visible evidence of the titanic struggles of the past. This evidence 
was intensified by the unmistakable signs of the death and destruction which 
existed on every side. Scattered articles of French and German equijjment, 
rusting helmets, broken rifles and bayonets, half-rotted bits of clothing, here and 
there a bleached bone protruding from the earth, in a word, the flotsam and jet- 
sam of a battle field — all told their own gruesome tale of devastating conflict. 

Farther back, on the line of resistance, the men of the Division also saw 
the signs of war, but in a different way. Here, long stretches of revetted trenches, 
their bottoms here and there lined with dilapidated duck-boards and their sides 
covered with a net-work of telephone wires (most of which had long since passed 
the stage of usefulness) showed the effects of four years of continuous warfare, 
but at the same time evidenced a high state of organization. 

An example of what might be termed the almost permanent organization of 
the line of resistance in Sector 304, was found in the "mitrailleuse de position," 
literally, machine guns of position, which the French maintained in the sector, 
even after it was taken over by the Division. These machine guns were posted 
at strategic points along the line of resistance, and more than one 79th Division 
doughboy experienced a shock of surprise when he suddenly turned the corner of 
a trench and bumped into one of these machine guns, manned by a French poilu 
in his uniform of faded horizon blue. Many of these French machine gunners 
had occupied the same position in Sector 304 for over two years, and the Division 
subsequently learned that the "mitrailleuse de position" played a cardinal part 
in any French defensive scheme. Later, from bitter experience, it was found 
that the enemy had adopted this same plan of organization for defense on the 
immediate front of the Division. 

While the troops in the outpost and resistance positions found trench-warfare 
pretty much as they had pictured it before-hand, the men in the reserve positions, 
which were located in patches of woods far behind the front, encountered condi- 
tions far different from their anticipations. Steeped as they were in all the theo- 
retical lore of trench warfare during the days in the training area, the members 
of the Division who were stationed in reserve were distinctly surprised to find 
themselves living an almost normal camp life. In some places in the woods the 
men lived in huts and shacks, half underground, built of tar paper or boards or 



62 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

of corrugated iron, while others, not so fortunate, had no better dwelling place 
than deep gallery shelters or dugouts, each holding several hundred men. These, 
however, were so chilly and damp that the men preferred to risk the shells and 
sleep under the shelter tents in the open. 

Instead of the long series of trenches stretching toward the front lines that 
imagination had led them to expect, they found only pathways, paralleled by the 
ever-present "lead" wires for guidance at night, which led across country to the 
seemingly far distant positions on the line of resistance, and which were traversed 
in broad daylight by carrying details, reconnaissance parties and runners. 

In all parts of sector 304, however, whether outpost, support or reserve, 
the men of the different units took an intense interest in the daily aeroplane en- 
counters which occurred far above their heads between the Boche and Allied 
aviators engaged in reconnaissance work. To practically every man in the Divi- 
sion the sharp, muffled "Pouf" of the shells from the anti-aircraft guns became a 
familiar sound, followed in turn by the familiar sight of tiny puff-balls of black 
and white smoke from the bursting shells. 

With the coming of night, the most picturesque side of trench warfare pre- 
sented itself to the men in the thousands of star shells, rockets and flares which 
blazed against the night sky from dusk to dawn in a display that cast into shadow 
any Fourth of July celebration ever witnessed. A certain number of the star 
shells, rockets, etc., soared forth from the American trenches, but by far the lar- 
ger number had their origin in the German lines, for the Boche seemed to be a bit 
nervous, and lost no opportunity to illuminate "No Man's Land" to the fullest 
extent possible. 

In the routine of trench life, the officers of the front line troops found that 
much of their time was taken up with the study of the "dossier," a neat little 
packet of papers which each unit commander had inherited from his French prede- 
cessor. These "dossiers" had been kept with the neatness and precision of a 
business ledger, and contained complete maps of the position held, detailed ac- 
counts of its organization, the general system of defense and attack, and itemized 
lists of all trench stores. Taken all in all, the "dossiers" contained much valu- 
able information and gave the officers of the Division a clear insight into the me- 
thodical manner in which the French carried on the general game of trench war- 
fare. 

Despite the hardships on all sides, health conditions in the Division im- 
proved. The influenza, which had threatened in the Training Area, disappeared 
almost completely, very few men being evacuated. The medical officers kept a 
lookout for "trench feet, " but no such cases developed. Sanitary conditions were 
admittedly bad and chlorinated water had to be used. As a result, officers kept 
careful watch to see that the men filled their canteens at the beginning of the day 
and drank no other water. '^ 

The first fatality on the front occurred in the right sector, held by the 
315th Infantry, on the night of September 15, A German plane, seeking to de- 
stroy the regimental headquarters on Hill 309, dropped a bomb which exploded 
and mortally wounded Corporal Thomas L. Landenberger, of Company "I."'* 
"His courage, while suffering severely from the wound was an inspiration to the 



THE AVOCOURT-]VL\LANCOURT SECTOR 







Shell-pitted Terrain East of Avocourt Over Which the Raids of Sept. 19, 20 and 22 Were 

Repulsed by the 313th Infantry. 



64 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

company; he increased the morale of the company by the manner in which he 
bore himself," states the Division citation which was awarded posthumously.'^ 

On the following night another Boclie airplane came over and dropped a bomb 
or two in the neighborhood of Dombasle. Subsequently, during the entire occu- 
pation of the sector, there was considerable air activity. The planes came over 
regularly at mess times — noon and 5 P. M. — and it was only with difficulty that 
the men could be kept in concealment and the mess kits prevented from flashing 
in the sunlight. 

Enemy shelling was not severe. The Summaries of Intelligence, issued from 
September 14 on, made daily mention of it. Thus, on September 14 and 15, 
"intermittent shelling right subsector in vicinity of P. C, 315th Infantry" was 
reported.'^ Beginning the following day an exact report was kept of the number 
of shells fired, the time of firing, the calibre, the objective, the direction fired from 
and the purpose, whether to register or destroy. Seventy-eight shells fell within 
the sector in the first twenty-four hour period this record was kept, and forty- 
seven in the next.'^ 

On the night of September 17, the enemy suddenly rained heavy shells upon 
a platoon of Company "L," 313th Infantry, in the right sub-sector of that regi- 
ment. Sergeant Raymond Jordan, in command of the men, moved along the 
line encouraging them personally to hold and "maintaining the platoon intact and 
in position prepared to meet any attack that might be made."'^ As a whole, 
however, gas shells were more feared than the occasional high explosives. The 
troops were not used to being gassed as yet, and several bad cases occurred, de- 
spite the precautions of klaxon warnings. Five men of the outpost company of 
the 304th Field Signal Battalion received enough of it, while running some tele- 
phone lines through a wood, to necessitate evacuation.'* Likewise, six men from 
Company "A," 304th Engineers, were gassed while going to the assistance of a 
wounded French soldier in a dugout near Dombasle." 

Orders had been received by the Division that a constant watch should be 
kept on the enemy, but that no raids should be made and patrols conducted 
cautiously, as every precaution was being taken to prevent the Boche from learn- 
ing the identity of the troops opposing him in this sector. The Germans, how- 
ever, suddenly displayed considerable activity. It indicated, beyond a doubt, 
that they had suspected a relief in progress in the opponent's line. How they 
did so might be accounted for in any one of a number of ways, or in all of them. 
The men of the Seventy-ninth Division, unskilled in what was to them a totally 
novel maneuver, no doubt gave themselves away when they took over the sector 
from the colored and French troops previously occupying it. It was seldom that 
an outfit, effecting a relief for the first time, did not do so. Again, the relieved 
troops, French and colored, had been completely accoutred as French Colonials, 
including the French style of helmet, khaki colored instead of blue. The differ- 
ence in the shape between these helmets and the American ones might have been 
detected easily from the German observation posts. But probably the most 
positive indication to the Germans was the difference in the tactics pursued by 
the men in the outpost positions. In thorough accord with the involuntary habit 
of all new troops in the line, the men became obviously aggressive. Varying 



THE AVOCOURT-MALANCOURT SECTOR 65 

disturbances, such as a shot from the German Hnes, or a new shadow caused by 
the moon appearing from behind a cloud, begot a fusillade of shots from the 
American rifles. It was as unnecessary as it was novel to the ever observant 
enemy. And no one can possibly estimate how many furtive peeps over the top 
of the trench at this much talked of "No Man's land" were noted by the enemy. 

For the first six days, almost every night produced its reports of enemy pa- 
trols heard prowling along the front, or of movements of a suspicious nature ob- 
served somewhere within the German lines. The Summaries of Intelligence of 
the period have much to say on the subject. 

These summaries, as well as all orders, etc., used French Military Time. In 
fact, all operations of the American Army in France were based upon this method 
which simply runs the hours in numerical order from midnight to midnight, 1 
o'clock in the afternoon becoming 13 h, and so on. Midnight is 24 h, but 
one minute after midnight, and the 24 is succeeded by 0, the designation then 
becoming, h 1 (0 hour, one minute). The above explains the following quo- 
tations from the Summaries of Intelligence :'- 

September 1.5: Small convey movement seen near Hill 342. 

September 16: At 3h 25 five Germans observed in front of K Company 
sector. [313th Infantry]. At 16h 46, two enemy seen at the right of 
Bois de Tuilerie, joined by two others and all disappeared in woods. At 
24h to 3h wagons heard opposite to K Company [313th Infantry]. During 
same period train on tramway heard. During previous night incessant 
barking of dog on enemy front. On left sub-sector our patrols have 
twice been shot at by machine guns. 

The first actual clash with one of the German patrols occurred on the night 
of September 19-20. First Lieutenant Anthony L. jNIcKim and a detachment of 
E Company, 313tli Infantry, occupied the extreme left outpost position of the 
regimental and divisional sector. Lieutenant McKim was in a shell-proof dugout 
with two of his noncommissioned officers. Without any warning, a German 
potato-masher (grenade) rolled into the midst of the group, thrown from the rear 
of the trench. It failed to explode. Immediately, however, one of those melees 
started known as a night raid. Of comparatively little military importance con- 
sidered from the standpoint of the ultimate outcome of the war, these raids were, 
for the men involved in them, events of gigantic importance. The greatest 
battle ever fought at its very height never offered more terrifying thrills than is 
offered when twenty or so men, in the pitch dark, scramble around a group of 
trenches trying to kill and not be killed by twenty or so other men whom they 
cannot distinguish as friend or foe. This particular raid lasted about a half hour 
and terminated by the enemy being driven off. There were only minor casualties 
among the "E" Company men involved. That should have been enough for one 
night, but two hours later this same platoon was again raided, the resulting fight 
lasting another half hour. The reason for the second raid was divulged the next 
morning when a reconnoitering party came upon the dead body of a German of- 
ficer lying on the edge of "No Man's Land," just outside the sector. Later, 
information confirmed the speculation that, killed in the first attack, the raiding 
party had been sent back to recover the body of the officer. He was Frederick 



66 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




Aeroplane View of Enemy Fbont-line Trenches, Sector 304. 



THE AVOCOURTMALANCOURT SECTOR 67 

von Frienburg, a second lieutenant in the First Regiment, First Division, Prussian 
Guards.'^ 

A second raid in far greater strength was made on Sunday morning, Sep- 
tember 22, and also fell on the left of the Division sector. Between 5h 36 and 6h 
30 the front line and the line of resistance were heavily shelled, after M'hich two 
attacks were delivered simultaneously, one on an outpost of "E" Company, 
313th Infantry, on the left sub-sector, and the other on an outpost of "A" Com- 
pany, on the right of the regimental sector, the first battalion having relieved the 
Third Battalion on the night of September 18-19, in compliance with Field Order 
No. 4, 79th Division, dated September 17.^ In the dim light of early morning, 
the two outposts, each half-platoons, put up sterling resistance. The attack on 
the "A" Company platoon apparently was delivered by a strong force. After a 
fierce melee in trench and dugouts, the Americans drove the invaders off with 
severe losses. The platoon, however, had three men killed — Private 1st cl Samuel 
A. Lanard and Privates Thomas H. Gray and Edwin C. Pearson — while an officer 
and six men were wounded and one private was missing who had been taken 
prisoner. 

The half -platoon of "E" Company was under the command of First Lieu- 
tenant Carl E. Geis, who was slightly wounded, and Sergeant James McGarvey. 
The latter, with the utmost coolness, directed the fire of each man under him, 
while Sergeant Joseph W. Oppitz, and Privates John G. Rhodes and Joseph N. 
Wright, composing an automatic rifle team, swept the oncoming raiders with their 
rapid-fire weapons. Two other men. Privates George Remfrey and Wilbur E. 
Forrest, who formed a sentry squad and were cut off by the barrage, remained at 
their post and aided by their marksmanship in repulsing the enemy. "^^ One of 
the "E" Company men, Private Rodney E. Dixon, was killed, three others beside 
Lieutenant Geis were wounded, and a fourth was missing, and was subsequently 
found to have been captured. The total casualties to the regiment were four men 
killed, two taken prisoner and two officers and nine men wounded. In front of 
the outposts the next day were found the bodies of three Germans, while a fourth 
was taken prisoner. The bodies of the enemy dead were brought within the lines 
and identified as a lieutenant, 12th Company, 157th Regiment, 117th Division; 
Corporal, same company and regiment, and a private, 233rd Pioneer Company, 
attached to the 117th Division. 

The prisoner, who was examined by Liuetenant Colonel George N. Russell, 
Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, 5th Army Corps, said that orders had been received 
by the 157th Regiment at 3 a. m., September 22, for three companies of the third 
battalion and two companies of the first battalion to make a raid for the purpose 
of obtaining prisoners. He told Lieutenant Colonel Russell that the 9th, 11th 
and 12th Companies had started out from the third battalion, but that he knew 
nothing of the movement of the first battalion. That one of the two companies 
from the first battalion had been the 233rd Pioneers was established by the iden- 
tification of the dead private. The prisoner also established the identity of the 
German unit on the right of his Division as the First Guard Division, which ac- 
counted for the presence of the young guard officer killed on the night of September 
19-20. The failure of the first raid to secure prisoners and thus establish the 



68 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

identity of the newcomers in the Avocourt-Malancourt Sector had been the reason 
for the larger daylight undertaking with artillery fire preceding it.'^ 

While trench raids, shell fire and gas were occupying the attention of the 
units in the line and in reserve, matters of greater moment were arising for the 
Division staff. Division Headquarters had been set up at Jouy-en-Argonne, 
two and one-half kilometers north of Blercourt, at 8 a. m., September 16, the hour 
on which the command of the entire sector passed into the hands of General Kuhn. 
Almost immediately advance preparations for the pending offensive began. 

The definite decision for the American First Army to attack on the Meuse- 
Argonne front had been decided as early as September 2, 1918, in conference be- 
tween General Pershing, Marshal Foch and General Petain.'" The former con- 
sidered the strategical importance of this portion of the line as "second to none 
on the Western Front."^" He chose -it for the First American Army because, 
in his opinion, "no other Allied troops had the morale or the offensive spirit to 
overcome, and successfully, the difficulties to be met in the Meuse-Argonne sec- 
tor and our plans and installations had been prepared for an expansion of opera- 
tions in that direction."^' 

The purpose of the offensive he well summarized as follows:^" 

The Army was to break through the enemy's successive fortified 
zones to include the Kriemhild-Stellung, or Hindenburg Line, on the 
front Brieulles-Romagne-sous-Montfaucon-Grandpre, and, thereafter, 
by developing pressure toward Mezieres, was to insure the fall of the 
Hindenburg Line along the Aisne River in front of the Fourth French army, 
which was to attack to the west of the Argonne Forest. A penetration of 
some 12 to 15 kilometers was required to reach the Hindenburg Line 
on our front, and the enemy's defense were virtually continuous 
throughout the depth. 

The concentration for such an offensive as planned, of necessity began long 
before the day set for its opening. To the Division units in reserve it soon became 
apparent that something on a gigantic scale was underway. With the coming 
of dusk and darkness each night, battery after battery of light horse-drawn ar- 
tillery and heavy motorized guns would come lumbering down the roads and take 
up positions in the heavy woodland Truck after truck, piled high with ammuni- 
tion of all calibres and kinds, as well as other supplies, nightly unloaded their bur- 
dens at newly established dumps and dashed back to return with more and still 
more. French tanks later joined the rumbling throng. It seemed as if all of 
the army traffic in France had been diverted suddenly to the Seventy-ninth Div- 
ision area. It was almost impossible to believe that room could be found to place 
all the guns and supplies along so short a front. As it was, the reserve elements 
of the Division were compelled to shift their positions frequently to make room 
for the constantly increasing mass of artillery which kept pouring in. 

The men watched all these preparations with widening eyes. Somehow they 
did not connect it with their own future movements. Most of them knew that 
the usual process of seasoning required of green troops was several weeks holding 
the line on a quiet sector and then a transfer somewhere else for active operations. 
They looked upon the tenanting of the Avocourt-Malancourt Sector as part of 



THE AVOCOURT-MALANCOURT SECTOR 69 

the seasoning process, and would not have been surprised if at the end of a few 
weeks they should have been withdrawn and sent in somewhere else. No one in 
the enhsted ranks dreamed that the Division, without previous "blooding," was 
to be one of the center divisions in the opening phase of the final drive of the World 
War. If the men heard rumors that they were destined to take Montfaucon 
they laughed at them. It would not be likely that a green division would be 
hurled at the strongest point in the whole German line. 

Back at Division Headquarters, where the truth was known, the time was all 
too short for the many arrangements to be made. JNIany conferences were held, 
plans were made and unfolded, schemes of liaison outlined, maps studied and 
certain important data marked down, while at the same time the final preparations 
and placing of the Division units in position — on paper — were carried out. Busy 
orderlies and couriers hurried between regiments and Division Headquarters and 
from Division to Corps and Army. The Seventy-ninth Division had passed 




JotJT-EN-ARGONNE, SeVENTT-NINTH DIVISION HEADQUARTERS, SePT. 15 TO 25, 1918. 

again from French to American control on September 21, and was now a part of 
the Fifth American Corps, whose Field Order No. 31, of that date, had directed 
preparations for the pending attack and covered all Corps details. All messages 
were now received and sent in code. A Division code had come into being on 
September 16 whereby every member of the Division staff, from the Major Gen- 
eral commanding down, became "Itasca" with a numeral aiBxed. General Kuhn 
was "Itasca-1" and the Division Sergeant Major was "Itasca-'ZS." Similarly, 
the 157th Infantry Brigade was "India," its commander being "India-1" and 
the 158th Brigade was "Italy," with its brigadier, "Italy-1." The other units were 
as follows:22 qi^^^ Infantry, "Incite"; 314th Infantry, "Instruct"; S15th Infan- 
try," Invade"; 316th Infantry, "Invent"; 304th Engineers, "Indicate"; 304th 
Field Signal Battahon, "Index"; 304th Headquarters Train and Military Police, 
"Iron"; 304th Ammunition Train, "Insure"; 304th Supply Train, "Issue"; 304th 
Sanitary Train, "Iodine"; 310th Machine Gun Battalion, "Inlet": 311th Machine 
Gun Battalion, "Island"; 312th Machine Gun Battalion, "Isthmus." Units 



70 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

having battalion subdivisions added "er" to the key word for first battahon; 
"ed" for the second battalion, and "ing" for the third battalion. 

One of the first steps in preparation consisted in shortening the Division 
front. This was effected under Division Field Order No. 5, dated September 
21, when the left brigade sector was turned over to the Thirty-seventh Division, 
U. S. A. The relief began on the night of September 22-23, the first battalion of 
the 313th Infantry, in the right sub-sector being replaced by a battalion from the 
73rd Infantry Brigade, and the second battalion, 313th Infantry, in the left sub- 
sector, by a battalion from the 74th Infantry Brigade. On the following night 
the relief was completed when the machine guns of the 157th Infantry Brigade 
were succeeded by the machine guns of the Thirty-seventh Division.^ The regi- 
mental P. C. (Poste de Commande) of the 313th Infantry, at Verrieres-en-Hesse 
F™^, was evacuated on the afternoon of September 22 and established with 
the first and second battalions in the Bois de Lambchamp, while the third bat- 
talion was in Camp Bretagne. 

As a result of this maneuver not only had the Seventy-ninth Division line 
been reduced from four and one-half to a little more than two kilometers, but the 
entire length had now become a single brigade front, with two battalions of the 
315th Infantry holding the line of resistance. On the night of September 24-25, 
however, the first battalion and the Machine Gun Co. of the 316th Infantry re- 
lieved the first battalion and the Machine Gun Co. of the 315th Infantry in the 
left sector,23 the second and third battalions of the 315th having effected a mutual 
relief on the night September 18-19. Both units of the 158th Infantry Brigade 
then held a position on the line of resistance. Neither, however, held the outpost 
positions. The same field order which had relieved the 313th Infantry in the left 
sector (Field Order No. 5) had sent a battalion of the 129th Infantry of the 
Thirty-third Division, U. S. A., into the outpost line along the entire Avocourt- 
Malancourt Sector.^ This was in order to deceive the enemy as to the identity 
of units on his front should he take any prisoners by a raid or strong patrol. 

Meanwhile the Intelligence Department anxiously maintained a sharp ob- 
servation on the enemy front line and on all back areas, through the regimental 
observers in the line and by its own observers and airplane reports, to see if the 
plans and preparations had been detected by the enemy, and if there had been a 
counter concentration of men and guns to meet an expected offensive or to launch 
a surprise attack. One of these observers, Private 1st cl Russell M. Harrison, 
Company "C," 304th Field Signal Battalion, maintained a buzzer phone at Ga- 
briel outpost for five continuous days and nights, remaining at the post alone and 
without relief under heavy and constant fire."^^ The Boche was showing un- 
mistakable signs of uneasiness. His numerous captive, or "sausage," balloons 
and his air patrols remained up through the day, and at night the area to the north 
was illumined by flares and star-shells which lighted up "No-Man's Land" and 
the front from dusk to daybreak.^^ Efforts to keep him guessing were never 
abated. On the night of September 17, for example, a French 75 was brought up 
from Montezeville on a truck and from a point near the front hurled sixteen shells 
into the German trenches on the northern edge of the Bois de Montfaucon. The 
gun was taken back to Montezeville before midnight, the purpose being to give 



THE AVOCOURT-MALANCOURT SECTOR 



71 




Typical View op Enemy Trenches Over Which 79th Division Troops Passed. 



72 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

the Germans the idea that there were permanent gun emplacements at the point 
from which it fired. '- 

As preparations neared completion and the zero hours approached, men, 
animals and trucks labored night and day pulling and hauling the vast stores of 
supplies and thousands of rounds of ammunition from the railheads at Rampont 
and Dombasle to the main division dumps and from there to forward area dumps. 
Batteries already in position now and again sent a shell screaming overhead across 
"No-Man's Land" and into the enemy's line. The anti-aircraft guns, ("Archies"), 
fired many rounds into the air in an effort to drive back the enemy reconnaissance 
planes, while an occasional air battle between Allied and Boche aviators furnished 
a thrill to the troops on the ground below. To the increased Allied artillery ac- 
tivity, the Boche replied with shots that did little harm. 

On September 25, the Division P. C, with the advance echelon of Division 
Headquarters, was established near Hill 309, west of Montezeville.' Late that 
afternoon General Pershing visited the new Division Headquarters, and after a 
conference with General Kuhn he continued his inspection of the preparations 
for the tremendous drive so soon to begin. At 13h 30, on that same day, Septem- 
ber 25, Field Order No. 6 was issued. Only thirty-eight copies were mimeographed, 
for, unlike the field orders which had gone before, the contents of this one was 
meant for the immediate enlightenment of but a few. It was the first battle 
order of the Division and it ended all questions as to the part the Seventy-ninth 
was to play in the offensive whose preparations were being carried on all around. 
Green division it might be, but just the same it was "going-in" and the direction 
was straight ahead from the position then held. The goal was Montfaucon, aye, 
and beyond that as well. A single paragraph told the story :^' 

The 79th Division, maintaining close combat liaison with the 4th Division 
(III Corps) on its right, and with the 37th Division (V Corps) on its left, will 
advance rapidly to the Corps objective, the line 05.5-77.5, 08.2-80.2, 1L5-81.0. 
It will seize in succession Malancourt, Montfaucon and Nantillois. 

A glance at the co-ordinated "Argonne Special," the map issued for the oc- 
casion, showed the Corps objective for the first day running just north of Nan- 
tillois, and Nantillois was three full kilometers north of Montfaucon. When that 
first day was to be, remained unanswered in the field order. It specified "D day" 
for the attack and "H hour" for the time it was to begin, "D" and "H" being 
the unknown quantities, much like the unknown quantity of "X" in the algebraic 
equation. But if the day and hour remained a mystery, there was enough in the 
field order to give all concerned plenty to do and think about. The main text 
was three mimeographed pages in length; the plans of liaison, divided into eight 
parts, covered eight pages more, and the administrative annex was about the same 
length. To take the main text and dissect it, was what the recipients of the 
order did first; tlie disclosures were all embracing. 

While the Seventy-ninth Division was to make the direct assault on Mont- 
faucon, the Fourth Division, on the right, was to aid in turning the stronghold 
and also in subsequently turning the sector of the hostile second position at Nan- 
tillois. At the same time, the Thirty-seventh Division, on the left, was to con- 



THE AVOCOURT-]VL\LANCOURT SECTOR 



73 



tribute its part by assisting in turning the Bois de Montfaucon, a woods which 
lay to the south and west of the town of the same name. The axis of advance 
for the Seventy-ninth, according to the sector boundaries prescribed, was north, 
about twenty-five degrees west, to a point beyond Montfaucon, and tlien bore 
shghtly more to the west to beyond Nantillois. 

The enemy, the order stated, "holds his line from the Meuse to the Aisne 
with about five divisions. In the immediate front of the 79th Division he has 
about one regiment of infantry."" This deduction may have been responsible 
for the deep objective for the first day — it was nine full kilometers from the Avo- 
court-Malancourt Sector to Nantillois. This unusual distance was recognized, 
as the order, while stating that the advance should be pushed "with the greatest 
vigor," also directed that "brigade commanders will provide by echelonment in 
depth, the necessary driving power. "-^ 




Aeroplane View of Montfaucon Looking East. 

A preparation fire, to include "wire cutting, harassing, destructive, counter- 
battery and interdiction fires, "^^ was to precede the infantry advance and was to 
begin at an hour to be designated later. At H hour, however, the artillery was to 
concentrate on the enemy first line positions for twenty-five minutes and then 
change to a rolling barrage which should leap forward 100 meters every four 
minutes. There were to be certain pauses in the barrage, ten minutes to fire on 
the hostile intermediate position just beyond Malancourt and twenty minutes on 
the hostile second position in front of Montfaucon. In addition, a covering fire 
was directed to precede the barrage by 200 meters.-" 

The Division was to advance with the 157th Infantry Brigade attacking and 
the 158th Infantry Brigade in Divisional Reserve, but following the 157tli Bri- 
gade at about 1000 meters. The brigade front was to consist of four battalions 



74 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

abreast, two from each regiment, with machine gun units in support. The troops 
were to advance to within 300 meters of the barrage and follow it "as closely as 
possible."^^ 

So much for the main features of the order. The remainder of it contained 
specific instructions for all other units participating; how the machine gun bat- 
talions were to distribute their companies in support; how the 304th Engineers, 
(with the exception of one company) were to follow the advance and "reconnoiter, 
repair and maintain the road on the axis of supply"; how that one company of 
Engineers was to go with the 14th and 15th Tank Battalions (French) which were 
to remain unemployed during the first stage but be on hand at H-12h to assist 
the advancing infantry; how Company D, First Gas Regiment, was to assign 
its mortars equally to the regiments of the 157th Infantry Brigade; how the 214th 
French Aero Squadron and the Sixth U. S. Balloon Company were to keep Divi- 
sion Headquarters informed as to enemy concentration, new battery positions 
and the course of the advance; how liaison was to be maintained with the divisions 
to the left and right; how the flanks were to be protected by combat patrols; how 
the Division trains were to forward ammunition and supplies from the railheads, 
and how the various batteries of the supporting artillery should be employed. 

The artillery at the disposal of the Seventy-ninth Division consisted of the 
57th Artillery Brigade, of the Thirty-second Division, U. S. A.; 119th Field Ar- 
tillery (complete) ; 120th Field Artillery (three batteries) and 121st Field Artillery 
(four batteries) ; five batteries of the 147th Field Artillery, of the Forty First 
Division, U. S. A.; two batteries of the 65th Coast Artillery Regiment, U. S. A.; 
the 302nd Field Artillery (French), and the 330th Field Artillery (French). The 
total was twenty-three batteries of 75's, two batteries of 9.2's (the Coast Artillery), 
ten batteries of 155's, and a trench mortar battery (107th, U. S. A.) of twelve 
guns. The whole was under the command of Brigadier General G. LeRoy Irwin, 
of the 57th Artillery Brigade.^^ 

The plans were laid! The maps drawn! All was ready for the final order 
establishing the day and hour; the order which would send men and guns to their 
assigned stations for the opening of the great Meuse-Argonne offensive. It came 
that same afternoon, an "Addendum to Field Order No. 6." The first paragraphs 
were a few last instructions — to the tanks, to keep off the axial road; to the light 
batteries, to follow the infantry at noon and try to cross "No-Man's Land" by 
following in the paths of the tanks; to the platoons of Company "D," First Gas 
Regiment, to maintain liaison by runners with their commander at Division 
Headquarters — and then came that for which the Division waited}^ 

Tomorrow, September 26th, will be "D" day; "H" hour will be 5.30 
o'clock, A. M. 



CHAPTER IV 
THE MEUSE-ARGONNE— FIRST PHASE 

Maiancourt and Montfaucon 

THE decisive final attack of the Allies on the Western Front, the American 
contribution to which was known as the jNIeuse-Argonne offensive, opened 
on September 26, 1918, and resulted in the greatest battle in tlie history 
of warfare. "Armageddon" was the term applied to the colossal struggle by 
Major General Sir Frederick Maurice, former Director of Military Operations in 
the Britisli AVar Office.^ It involved almost simultaneous assaults by four army 
groups — American, Belgian, British and French — and engaged the enemy line 
from Flanders to the Meuse.^ The German salients on the Marne, at St. Mihiel, 
and facing the Somnie had previously been pinched out by the "preliminary 
punches" delivered in July, August and early September by the Allies.' As a 
result, the defensive line then occupied by Ludendorff's German armies ran roughly 
"from north to south from the North Sea coast near Nieuport, just east of Ypres, 
by Armentieres, west of Douai, Cambrai and St. Quentin to the River Oise near 
La Fere" and then made a big bulge westwards round the St. Gobain Forest 
along the Oise and the Vesle to Rheims, where it again straightened out and ran 
eastward through the Champagne heathlands across the Argonne Forest to the 
Meuse, northwest of Verdun."' The objective of the combined offensives is set 
forth with clarity in General Pershing's Final Report as Commander-in-Chief of 
the American Expeditionary Forces, which states:* 

All supplies and evacuations of the German armies in northern France were 
dependent upon two great railway systems — one in the north, passing through 
Liege, while the other in the south, with lines coming from Luxemburg, Thion- 
ville, and Metz, had as its vital section the line Carignan-Sedan-Mezieres. No 
other important lines were available to the enemy, as the mountainous masses of 
the Ardennes made the construction of east and west lines through the region 
impracticable. The Carignan-Sedan-Mezieres line was essential to the Germans 
for the rapid strategical movement of troops. Should this southern system be 
cut by the Allies before the enemy could withdraw his forces through the narrow 
neck between Mezieres and the Dutch frontier, the ruin of his armies in France 
and Belgium would be complete. 

Thus, while the First American Army, to the east, and Gouraud's French 
Army, to the west of the Argonne Forest, were to drive straight north toward 
Sedan and Mezieres, combined British, French and Belgian attacks in Flanders 
and along the line north of the St. Gobain Forest were to prevent the Germans 
from detaching reinforcements to the imperiled railroad defenses and also force a 
general withdrawal from the Hindenburg line and the Belgian coast.* 



16 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



For the first pliase of the ]\Ieuse-Argonne offensive, the American First Army 
deployed nine divisions into line on the night of September 25. On the right, 
from the west bank of the Meuse to the ruined hamlet of Haucourt, was the Third 
Corps, Major General Bullard commanding. It consisted of the Thirty-third 
Division on the right, the Eightieth Division in the centre, and the Fourth Division 
on the left. Adjoining the Third Corps on the west lay the Fifth Corps, Major 
General Cameron commanding. Its units were the Seventy-ninth Division on 
the right, the Thirty-seventh Division in the centre, and the Ninety-first Division 
on the left. The extreme western point of the Fifth Corps' sector, la Hardon- 
nerie Fme (Farm), formed junction with the First Corps, Major General Liggett 




Hill 304, Showing Shell-Torn Area over which the Men of the Seventt-ntnth Division 
Passed before Reaching Boche First Line, Shown in Foreground. 



commanding. The First Corps, the left wing of the American Army, extended 
to the western edge of the Argonne Forest, with the Thirty-fifth Division on the 
right, the Twenty-eighth Division in the centre and the Seventy-seventh Divi- 
sion on the left.* Each of the three corps held a division in reserve, while, in 
addition, there was an army reserve of three more divisions.* Regarding the 
Fifth Corps, of which the Seventy-ninth Division was the right wing, it was to 
attack on a front of about 11,600 yards, and had an infantry rifle strength of 
about 37,000 rifles, which represented approximately 321 rifles to every hundred 
yards. ^ To support the infantry attack on the entire First Army front were 
assembled "about 2,700 guns, 189 small tanks (142 manned by Americans), and 
821 airplanes (604 manned by Americans)."^ 



]\MLANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



77 



Nightfall of September 25, on the Avocourt-Malancourt sector, found the 
preparations in and behind the Seventy-ninth Division growing more and more 
intensified. The last moves had, perforce, to await the arrival of dusk. It would 
not do, in the final hours, to give the enemy aerial observers an inkling of what 
was to come. With darkness, the roads, so deserted by day, suddenly became 
filled with panting horses, rumbling guns and caissons, motor trucks and long 
columns of infantry. From Dombasle and Rampont came streaming convoy 
after convoy bearing ammunition to the reserve dump in the Bois de Deft'oy and 
the forward dumps near Camp de Civils and in the Bois d'Esnes; rations to the 




AVOCOURT, THE RniNED ToWN AT WHICH OUR LefT SeCTOR LiMIT STOPPED. 

This Town was Right on the Allied Front Line. 



same dumps and engineer supplies to the Bois d'Esnes. A narrow-gauge train, 
mule drawn, passed constantly between Camp de Civils and Avocourt with en- 
gineering material, ammunition and rations, in that order of priority, imtil enemy 
shells put the Avocourt end out of operation. About 100 burros augmented the 
flow of material northward from Camp de Civils, the donkeys marshaled by men 
from the Wagon Company of the 304th Ammunition Train.* The motorized heavy 
batteries emerged from concealment in the woodlands and forged toward the 
front, headed for pre-arranged battery positions. The lighter guns carromed 
past, their advance punctuated by low warnings from groups of signalmen along 
the way, who, stringing the last telephone wires, saw in the heavy wheels ever 
present menaces to connections. But through the first few hours the artillery 



78 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

had the right of way. The program was to open with the heavies, and the Division 
artillery was scheduled for the first encore. 

Out in front, ahead even of the outposts, final reconnaissance patrols were 
determining the sixteen points where the German barbed wire entanglements 
were to be cut, while a group of officers from the 157th Infantry Brigade, moving 
stealthily in the uncanny quiet, were measuring and fixing the tape line from 
which the infantry attack was to be launched.' There was no stir as yet between 
the outpost line and the main line of resistance. The former was still held by the 
battalion of the 129th Infantry, and the battalions of the 315th and 316th In- 
fantry, 1,000 yards in the rear, had instructions to maintain their positions until 
the 157th Brigade had passed through and their companion units of the 158th 
Brigade came up. 

° Back in the Bois de Lambechamp, where the 313th Infantry had been lying 
in reserve, dusk had brought hasty summons of all battalion and company com- 
manders to regimental headquarters at Verrieres Fme., where marked maps and 
orders were distributed and instructions issued to get the men underway at once 
for the front. It was a long march from reserve to outpost line, and it would 
take the better part of the night at a stiff pace if the regiment was to be in position 
for "H" hour. The 313th Infantry began to swing out from the Bois de Lambe- 
champ at 19h., September 25th. *° 

The 314th Infantry, in the Foret de Hesse, had even a longer distance to go 
than the 313th. It, too, got under way at 19h under verbal orders from the regi- 
mental commander. Field Order No. 6, of the Division, not being received at 
regimental headquarters until 19h 10, after the troops were already in motion. '^ 
The two battalions of the 315th Infantry and the two of the 316th, which 
were in Ijrigade reserve in the Foret de Hesse and Camp de Normandie, respec- 
tively, also began the forward movement at nightfall, timing themselves so as to 
follow the units of the 157th Brigade into position. As the 311th and 312th 
Machine Gun Battalions also had some marching to do to reach their assigned 
posts, it will be seen that practically two full infantry brigades were afoot and 
pressing forward a few minutes after darkness descended. 

Just a half hour before "D" day — 23h 30 of September 25 to be exact — the 
preliminary bombardment by the heaA'y corps and army artillery began. '^ The 
silence of the night gave way to the deep throated intonations of the great 155's 
and 9.2's which, from the Meuse to the Argonne, were concentrating their terrific 
explosives upon the Hagen-Stellung and the Hagen-Stellung Nord lines. The 
infantry had, in many cases, come up abreast of the positions of the heavies when 
the infernal clamor began. It was the first time the men of the Division had been 
so close to such large calibre weapons in action, and the roars which splintered the 
darkness, the weird red glare accompanying them, and the pungent battle smoke 
filtering under the trees, made "many a stout heart tremble." The columns 
swept past the camouflaged heavies without a pause, ofiicers urgent, men willing, 
and the crashing racket of the bombardment drowning out every other sound until 
the roads seemed peopled by an army of spectres. Another hour, and the advance 
battalions of the 157th Brigade were beginning to enter the support trenches, 
platoons feeling their way along in the darkness past the quiet lines of the front 



MALANCOITRT AND MONTFAUCON 



79 




a 
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O 

g 

Q 

a 

s 
s 
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2; 



2 
p 



80 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

battalions of the 315th and 316th Infantry. By 2h, September 26, the rehef of 
the battalion of the 129th Infantry on outpost was begun, and the first files of 
these men from the Thirty-third Division were coming back when the real fury 
of the Franco-American artillery attack developed. 

It was 2h 30 on that memorable 26th of September, when to the roar of the 
heavies was added the thunder of all the Di^^sion guns. It was the "greatest 
concentration of artillery the world had ever known."'' The 2,700 guns, men- 
tioned in General Pershing's report, echeloned on the entire American front, 
were blasting the enemy positions. The artillery fire was covering every point, 
for five or more kilometers in depth, with a hurricane of shrieking, splintering 
missiles. The night became lurid, then murky as the smoke settled lower. Red 
flares stabbed the blackness, faded out, and were repeated. The intonations, 
first distinct, became merged into an ear-splitting drumming. Ahead, through 
the tangled woodland or in the rolling country, the ground became silhouetted 
momentarily by the projectiles bursting over or upon enemy positions. The 
night moaned and whined and shrieked to the terrible fusillade, which seemed to 
grow more and more intensified as the minutes passed. To this leaden tempest 
the enemy made but a feeble retaliatory fire. Perhaps most of the German guns 
had been withdrawn or were then being hastened to safetj^ beyond the hills north 
of Romagne. Those which were still in position sent their shells plunging into 
the American sector, but with slight effect. As the second battalion of the 315th 
Infantry was making its way through the communicating trenches toward the 
jump-off position, a vagrant shell burst in the midst of a platoon, killing one mem- 
ber of it and wounding six others. In the 313th several high explosives burst and 
caused some casualties — no fatalities — while the 314th escaped unscathed. 

Both regiments of the 157th Brigade were in front of their own guns at 2h 
30, when the real bombardment began, but neither was quite in position. In 
fact, it was not until 4h that the final elements of the 313th reached their assigned 
positions, and a half hour after that when the 314th reported itself as "all set."'- 
Not until then did the officers of the 314 th receive the marked maps and orders 
which should have been in their hands before leaving the Foret de Hesse. '"^ By 
that time also, the reserve battalions of the 315th and 316th had come up, the 
battalions of those regiments already in line contracting their fronts to make 
positions for them. Shortly before 5h the entire Division was ready for the at- 
tack. The exact position of each unit, to amplify the official report of operations, 
was then as foUows: 

The 157th Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General William J. Nicholson com- 
manding, was in the front line of the Di\-ision zone of advance (Favry sector). 
The 313th Infantry, Colonel Claude B. Sweezey commanding, was on the left 
(Legrand sub-sector); and the 314th Infantry, Colonel William H. Oury com- 
manding, on the right (Zouaves sub-sector). Each regiment had two battalions 
in the attacking line and one in the Brigade Reserve. The front line battalions 
were echeloned in depth by companies, with one company echeloned in depth on 
the front line, one company echeloned in depth in support, and one company as 
battalion reserve — each battalion furnishing one company to the regimental 
reserve. One company from the Brigade Reserve was distributed through each 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 81 

regiment and assigned to the task of mopping up. The 311th Machine Gun Bat- 
taHon, Major Charles M. DuPuy commanding, furnished one company to each 
front hne regiment.'* 

The 313th Infantry assigned two platoons of its own Machine Gun Company 
to the right battalion (Third Battalion, Major Jesse R. Langley commanding) 
and one platoon to the left Ijattalion (Second Battalion, Major Benjamin Frank- 
lin Pepper commanding) to protect the flanks. In addition, one platoon of the 
company from the 311th Machine Gun Battalion (Company A) was assigned by 
the 313th Infantry as a combat platoon of infantry protecting the left flank and 
to form combat liaison with the Thirty-seventh Division on the left. The balance 
of the company of the 311th Machine Gun Battalion, assigned to the 313th, 
was held in regimental reserve, together with the one-pounder platoon of the Head- 
quarters Company, 313th Infantry. The regiment also had one-half of Company 
D, First Gas Regiment, assigned to it.'* The "lead off" companies in the two 
front battalions were "H" and "K." The "raoppers up" were "C" Company, 
with "G" Company as regimental reserve while the Brigade Reserve consisted of 
the First Battalion, Major Israel Putnam commanding, less "C" Company.'" 

The 314th Infantry, on the right, assigned the company from the 311th 
Machine Gun Battalion (Company "C") to its left battalion (Third Battalion, 
Major Harry M. Gwynn commanding) and the regimental Machine Gun Com- 
pany to the right battalion (Second Battalion, Major Robert B. Caldwell com- 
manding), and one section of the one pounder platoon of the Headciuarters Com- 
pany to each battalion. This regiment was also assigned one-half of Company 
D, First Gas Regiment.'* The "lead off" companies of the 314th were "E" and 
"L," with "H" and "I" Companies in regimental reserve. The First Battalion, 
Major Alfred R. Allen commanding, was in Brigade Reserve." The Brigade 
Reserve, in addition to one battalion from each infantry regiment, included the 
remaining two companies of the 311th Machine Gun Battalion. From this force 
one company of infantry and one machine gun platoon were detached to each 
flank for contact combat liaison with the 4th and 37th Divisions.'* 

The 158th Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Robert H. Noble command- 
ing, constituted the Division Reserve. It was composed of the 315th Infantry, 
Colonel Alden C. Knowles commanding; the 316th Infantry, Colonel Oscar J. 
Charles commanding, and the 312th Machine Gun Battalion, Major Stuart S. 
Janney commanding. In addition, the 310th Machine Gun Battalion, Major 
John L. Evans commanding, was right behind as a Division Reserve also. The 
formation of the 158th Brigade was practically the same as that of the 157th 
Brigade.'* 

The 315th Infantry, on the right, had the Third Battalion, Major Francis V. 
Lloyd commanding, and the First Battalion, Major Fred W. McL. Patterson 
commanding, in the front line from right to left.'* On the left, the 316tli Infan- 
try had the Third Battalion, Major J. Baird Atwood commanding, and the First 
Battalion and Machine Gun Company, Major Harry D. Parkin commanding, 
from right to left.'^ Companies "A" and "C," of the 312th Machine Gun Bat- 
talion, were assigned to the 315th and 316th Infantry, respectively, while the 
remaining two companies of the battalion were assigned to the Brigade Reserve." 



82 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

This reserve also included the Second Battalion of the 315th, Major Norman E. 
Borden commanding,'^ and the Second Battalion of the 316th, Captain Alan W. 
Lukens commanding.'^ 

The supreme Division command was exercised from the advance P. C, near 
Hill 309, west of Montezeville, or more specifically indicated as "the eastern 
exit of road in north edge of Bois de Lambechamp."'^ The Division Commander, 
Major General Joseph E. Kuhn, had at that time the following principal members 
of his staff: 

Chief of Staff, Colonel Tenney Ross; G-1, Major Charles B. Moore; G-2, 
Captain Spencer Roberts; G-3, Major George A. Wildrick; Division Engineer, 
Colonel James P. Jervey; Signal Officer, Lieutenant Colonel George S. Gillis; 
Adjutant, 0. A. Fritchett, succeeded October first by Major James H. Stein- 




RoAD OVER Xo-Man's Land, Reconstructed by 304 Engrs., Showing Method of Filling Shell 

Holes. 

man; Judge Advocate, Major Barry Wright; Quastermaster, Major Joseph W. 
Denton; Surgeon, Lieutenant Colonel Philip W. Huntington, and Ordnance 
OflBcer, Major Thomas W. Miller. 

With Colonel Jervey at Division Headquarters, the field command of the 304th 
Engineers devolved upon Lieutenant Colonel J. Frank Barber, who, by 3h, Sep- 
tember 26, had Company D in the second line trenches ready to start construc- 
tion, at the earlest possible moment, of a road for tanks across "No Man's Land," 
and the balance of the regiment in Camp des Gendarmes." 

Of the other units of the Division, as "H" hour approached, forty men of 
the Headquarters Troop, Captain Edward W. Madeira commanding, were in 
the advance P. C. of the Division;" Companies "A," "B," and "C,"of the Am- 
munition Train, were at Jouy-en-Argonne and Camp de Civils;^" and the Supply 
Train, Major William T. R. Price commanding, was at Dombasle.^' 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



83 



The Sanitary Train, Major Robert B. Shackelford commanding, had the 
Division Triage at Clair Chenes, one field hospital packed on trucks and ready 
to move fom-ard, medical detachments with each infantry regiment, the ambu- 
lance dressing stations near the front, and the horse drawn ambulances at Dom- 
basle.^^ 

Twenty seconds prior to "H" hour, the trench mortars of Company "D," 
First Gas Regiment, filled "No Man's Land" with a protective screen of smoke 
and flame." At 5h 30 — the long awaited "H" hour — the fury of the artillery 
preparation was concentrated, for twenty-five minutes as prearranged, on the 
enemy front line." Under this crescendo of fire, the men of the advance com- 
panies of the 313th and 314th Infantry, with fixed bayonets, "jumped off" for 
the attack, each company maintaining a distance of ten to fifteen meters between 
each man.'" At the same moment, all up and down the Meuse-Argonne front, 
the shock companies of eight other divisions surged forward. 




AVOCOTJBT THRU WHICH ThE TRANSPORT OF THE DIVISION MUST PaSS ON ITS WaT TO MaIAN- 

COURT. The Road from this Point to Malancoxjrt has been Entirely Destroyed by 

Three Years of Shell Fire 

The devastating effect of the artillery deluge upon the opposing trenches was 
apparent to the men in the advance companies. The air was fairly alive with 
whining, whistling, screaming missiles. The concussions and flashes rom every 
noint of the compass temporarily deafened and blinded. I'hrough this the shock 
companies made their way, the support units getting into motion as the prescribed 
istances were reached. In the first twenty-five minutes the advance was sup-d 
posed to cut the barbed wires, get through and be prepared "to hop" the first 
enemy line. Or, in the words of Field Order No. 6, "approach to within 300 
meters of the barrage and follow it as closely as possible."" 

Promptly at "H" hour 25, as specified, the barrage began to move northward 
in bounds of 100 meters every four minutes, while a covering fire from five bat- 



84 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 85 

teries of 75's, the loo's and the Coast Artillery howitzers preceded it by 200 me- 
ters, picking out successive targets as it went.^^ A German counter-barrage, 
attempted in retaliation, failed of its purpose, but inflicted some casualties in the 
support companies.'' The support companies were stepping out, the regimental 
reserves advancing, the 158th Infantry Brigade, 1,000 meters to the rear, also 
leaving the second line trenches. The entire infantry and machine gun strength 
of the Seventy-ninth Division was in motion as the barrage began to move. At 
the same time the rest of the First American Army, from the Argonne Forest to 
the banks of the Meuse, was surging forward under the protection of its artillery 
fire. The first phase of the great offensive was under way. 

The squad and platoon columns slowly and steadily snaked their way through 
the gaps in the wire and gradually drew near to the enemy trenches — the Hagen 
Stellung outpost line. At first, in the half-light of early morning, nothing could 
be seen of the Boche. The roar of the guns in the rear continued, sounding like 
the beating of myriad drums. From time to time a new sound was added, the 
nasty whining of machine gun bullets. Then, as those in advance topped the 
enemy trenches, the day grew momentarily lighter and it could be seen that the 
enemy was gone. There were a few dead here and there, but the majority had 
retired, following, no doubt, the German precept, "When it is known that the 
enemy is going to attack, the division may order the methodical evacuation of 
the outpost zone."-^ The first rush, overwhelming the German first line, had 
occurred with surprisingly little resistance, had been almost simultaneous on 
either flank and had been conducted in similar manner on both flanks. From 
this point forward, however, the leading regiments found that each had its separ- 
ate work cut out over ground which differed in every respect. 

Here. began to develop a situation that came very near to threatening the 
success of the entire action. It had been anticipated by the higher command 
that the terrain immediately in front of the 313th Infantry would offer unusual 
difficulties and orders had provided an extra minute every 100 meters in the 
barrage schedule at that point. Covered by dense underbru.sh and the shattered 
remains of the Bois de Malancourt and by an unusual quantity of old and new 
wiring, cratered and shell-holed to an unbelievable degree by artillery of large 
calibre for nearly four years and made even more so by the terrific intensity of 
the recent American barrage, this country retarded progress by human beings on 
foot to a snail's pace. Even the extra time provided was not sufficient. As a 
result, the barrage gradually drew away from the breathless, sweating, stumbling, 
struggling infantrymen, leaving them to meet the most stern resistance along 
the entire twenty kilometer front with their great offensive weapon gone. 

It is not hard to appreciate the helpless, heart-sick feeling of the front line 
officers and those others whose understanding of battle tactics was sufficient to 
convey the significance of it to them, when they realized that the almost essential 
protection of that great tidal wave of steel missiles was lost to them for good. 
For a while the full extent of the loss did not manifest itself. Aside from a scat- 
tered machine gun here and there, an isolated pill box, or a lone sniper cracking 
away from some point of vantage overhead, there was little to check the advance 
except the terrible conditions of the ground. But it was not for long. At about 



86 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



9h, at a point some three kilometers beyond the first German defense, the front 
Hne of the 313th ran into a situation that justified fully the darkest anticipations 
to which the loss of the barrage had given rise. 

At this point the Bois de Malancourt opened suddenly into a clearing, known 
on the military maps as the Golfe de Malancourt This clearing, nearly a mile 
wide and something less than that in depth, resembled nothing so much as a tri- 
angular rent in the woods from right, to left. On the right lay open country 
beyond the eastern boundary of the Bois de Malancourt. To the left, the woods 
curved around continuously to the far side, directly opposite, where they were 
known as the Bois de Cuisy. From the edge of the Bois de Malancourt, on the 
south side of the clearing, the ground sloped up gradually to the edge of the Bois 
de Cuisy, where the rise became rapid and more pronounced, with the result that 




Entrance to the Golfe de Mal.\xcourt. Here the 313th Infantry Regiment met its first 

Determined Resistance. 

it afforded the Germans a defensive position of the greatest advantage. They had 
made the most of it. In the clearing, protected by great bands of barbed wire, 
were located the German second line trenches — the Hagen Stellung Nord — well 
constructed and practically intact. Due to the rising ground, the Germans had 
been able to place effectively many more machine guns than would ordinarily 
have been possible in the same area. Beyond and above, in the Bois de Cuisy, 
were innumerable machine gun nests perfectly concealed and ideally situated to 
support those in the trenches below them with overhead fire. 

It was this position, defended to its fullest possibilities by the enemy, that 
held up the 313th Infantry for nearly five hours and effectively checked the cap- 
ture of Montfaucon, as planned, on the first day of the attack. It resisted numer- 
ous frontal attacks of the most determined sort, not only by the two front line 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 87 

companies but by additional companies of the front line battalions as they came 
up. It was simply an impossibility for men in any numbers to survive the machine 
gun fire that the slightest or most carefully concealed sortie from the woods brought 
forth. And the few who did get across some part of the open ground lost their 
lives in, or were checked by, the barbed-wire entanglements. It was here in the 
Golfe de Malancourt that Major Benjamin Franklin Pepper, of the Second Bat- 
talion, was shot through the head by a sniper and mortally ■wounded, while his 
adjutant. First Lieutenant Francis Stuart Patterson was instantly killed.-^ Here 
also Major Jesse R. Langley, of the Third Battalion, was shot through both legs 
and seriously wounded,^^ and the regimental casualties on all sides piled higher 
and higher. 

The slaughter at this particular point, as the infantry left the protection of 
the woods and emerged in the open of the Golfe, commanded as it was by in- 
numerable machine guns, in permanent selected positions, and augmented by the 
great number of portable machine guns, hastily thrown into position by the 
enemy, was indescribable. The German map, showing the disposition of their 
machine guns for this defensive organization, indicates that in this particular 
sector there were 113 and it was fair to assume that in addition to these fixed 
guns there were at least half as many more movable or portable machine guns, in 
action against our advancing infantry. 

The plan of flanking the position, as a solution, suggested itself ahnost from the 
first, and a very definite effort to organize such an attack was made. The difficul- 
ties in the way were numerous. The first of these was the great area of the German 
position and its wonderful commanding height giving, as it did, an almost per- 
fect field of fire for several kilometers in every direction, and the almost total 
absence of any terrain protection for the attacking troops. It would have taken 
a very carefully worked out plan, involving coordinated effort on the part of a 
number of widely separated units, to have functioned effectively. The second of 
these was the entire absence of lateral communication due to the hopelessly stag- 
gered position of what should have been parallel units, due in turn to the break- 
down of the time schedule because of the unforeseen and unequal difficulties of- 
fered by the terrain. The third was the precarious position of the 313th Infantry, 
although doing nothing more than holding the position on the edge of the Bois 
de Malancourt. The Germans continually raked the woods with machine-gun 
fire and, while its effect was necessarily much reduced by the woods this fire was 
taking a continuous toU. 

But far more effective was the fire of scores of snipers in concealed positions 
in the tops of trees and elsewhere above, and actually behind. These snipers, 
emboldened by the proximity of a strong German position, had stuck to their 
posts and succeeded in doing what was expected of them to a highly successful 
degree. Scarcely a runner despatched with a message between separated units 
of the regiment escaped their fire. Their only restraint was exercised when to 
fire would have given away their positions. ^^ One of these snipers wounded First 
Lieutenant Robert N. SchaufBer, of the Regimental Intelligence Section, while he 
and Colonel Sweezey were bending over a map, the latter having pushed his P. C. 
almost to the northern edge of the Bois de Malancourt.-' Even while this happened. 



88 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



in an attempt to flank through the Bois de Montfaucon, on the left, First Lieu- 
tenant David M. Rupp, of Company "G," led his platoon through the woodland 
and surprised a German machine gun position, the outfit bagging twenty-two 
German prisoners.^^ At the same time, no opportunity was lost to push the at- 
tack wherever it offered even the most remote possibility of accomplishing its 
object. 

While the 313th Infantry was held up by the enemy defenses in the GoKe de 
Malancourt and the Bois de Cuisy, the 314th Infantry, on the right, was experienc- 
ing great difficulties in its advance. No woodland faced the 314th. It had jumped 
off into a valley, running toward the northwest parallel with the edge of the Bois 
de Malancourt through which the 313th was fighting. As in the case of the 




Edge of Bois de Mal.\a'court, Showing P.C. 313 Inf. 

kindred regiment to the west, the difficult terrain prevented the men from keeping 
within the protection of the barrage. In addition, the thick smoke and fog, 
which filled the ravines, caused the intermingling of units and resulted in the 
front line passing by machine gun nests, unobserved in the murky atmosphere. 
This advance was made against heavy machine gun fire from the village of Malan- 
court. The regimental P. C. was advanced with the attack, and at one point 
Colonel Oury and his headquarters detachment captured five enemy machine 
gunners, from whom it was learned that a regiment of Machine Gun troops was in 
the Malancourt basin. 

The first rush had engulfed Haucourt, the ruined hamlet on the enemy front 
line, and by lOh the shock companies had pushed on toward Malancourt, reaching 
the southern end of the shattered town as the fog lifted. Immediately, from 








No-Man's Laxi 






.'^.^*. ' ^ '-'i - 



M 




\SD Malancourt 




mm mm 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



89 



every point of the compass, hostile machine guns, which lay ahead, on the flanks 
and even within the ground already occupied, opened a destructive fire.^' This 
was verification in deadly earnest of the previous information received from the 
prisoners. The front line was swept by machine guns in the ruins of Malancourt 
and from two strongholds, one on a trench on the hilltop running parallel to the 
Malancourt valley and inside the sector of the division on the right,^° and the other 
from a strong point one and one-half kilonaeters northwest of Malancoiu-t.^^ Sec- 
ond Lieutenant Harvey R. Jagger, Company "C," 304th Field Signal Battalion, 
was mortally wounded at this point while directing a detail laying a telephone 
wire from Colonel Oury's P. C. to the rear. 

Fortunately, while the advance of the 314th was held up, the organiza- 




Seventy Ninth Division Troops moving up Front on Esnes — Malancourt Road. 

tion of the regiment in depth provided an effective means for silencing the machine 
gunners whom the shock company and some of the support companies had passed 
unseen in the fog. The result was practically two continuous engagements, one 
conducted by the van seeking to penetrate through Malancourt and deeper up 
the valley, and the other by the supj^ort companies battling with the machine 
gunners in their midst. The stalking of concealed enemy rapid fire guns was 
carried out by the regimental and brigade reserves slowly, but with ultimate suc- 
cess. Numerous acts of heroism were recorded. 

Corporal Hugh F. Cox, Company "C," for instance, crawled upon his stomach 
to within a few yards of a nest and hurled a hand grenade, killing the gunner and 
silencing the gun.^' Sergeant Michael C. Ventura, Company "D", leading two 



90 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




O 
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o 

Q 
m 
z 



H 

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aiALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



91 



combat groups, died under the hurricane of fire but exhibited such courage that 
his men pressed forward and avenged him upon the machine gunners in their 
path.^- Private 1st cl Garosi Guido, of Ventura's combat group, though wounded 
in the shoulder, emulated his dead leader by his "bravery and self-sacrifice to 
duty."^^ Another instance of unusual bravery was the conduct of Private Ralph 
Pilla, Company "I". He, instructed to take prisoners to the rear, disdained the 
machine gun fire as he herded them before him. They passed a wounded soldier. 
Pilla stopped and made an improvised stretcher from the soldier's coat and sev- 
eral pieces of wood. Then he compelled the prisoners to carry the wounded man, 
first to a dressing station and afterwards to an ambulance a mile further along. 




The First Group of Prisoners Captdred by Seventy-Ninth Division, Carrying Wounded 

Men Back. 

Finally, having delivered his prisoners, he retraced his steps and rejoined his 
company after dark.'^ 

The fight through the ruins of Malancourt was a series of bitter combats 
with nest after nest of machine gunners, located so that the field of fire of those 
to the rear protected the more exposed positions. Colonel Oury, of the 314th, 
endeavored throughout to make use of his own machine guns.'" The Machine 
Gun Company of the regiment, armed with heavy Brownings, managed to keep 
well up in the support line, but the company from the 311th Machine Gun Bat- 
talion (Company "C") had encountered rough going from the very jump off. 
Within an hour after it had left the German first line trenches behind it, the men, 
despairing of making fast enough time, discarded their carts and man-handled 



92 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

their heavy Brownings.'" Sergeant John E. Spasio, of this company, pushing 
forward with a squad, captured a German non-commissioned officer and, at the 
point of a pistol, forced him to disclose the position of a number of trench mor- 
tars. Through this stroke the mortars were later captured, but Spasio, a little 
later, enlarged his achievement by capturing ten more prisoners.'' Private Sher- 
idan C. Broadwater, of the company, was killed by a machine gun bullet during 
the advance. The heavy Brownings finally reached a forward position at lOh 30, 
arriving at a time when Major Gwynn, of the Third Battalion, 314th Infantry, 
was seeking some way of silencing three persistent nests on his flank. "C" Com- 
pany mounted its guns and set to work. It silenced the enemy guns in almost 
less time that it takes to tell about it. At that time Major Gwynn, seeing the 
terrain in front of them and realizing that the men could not stagger forward any 
farther with the heavy weapons, reluctantly ordered them to return to the jump- 
ing off place and await further orders. '"' 

All through the advance on the left of the regimental sector, the Third Bat- 
talion was having its troubles. Company "K," in particular was, "up to its neck" 
in combat with machine guns. Corporal James A. Larson and Private Nolan 
L. Jordan, of this company, "outflanked a machine gun in advance of the line, 
killed three of the crew and captured two others together with the gun."'* Serg- 
eant Charles J. Dewees, Jr., "led in the capture of two machine guns, killing the 
entire crew of both guns."'- Corporal Earl B. Mohn, although seriously wounded, 
led his squad to the capture of yet another weapon.'- The enemy shelling during 
this period was not particularly severe, nevertheless, it had inflicted a number of 
casualties in this same Third Battalion. '^ First Lieutenant Kenneth H. Mor- 
ton, Company "K," was knocked unconscious by a high explosive. Upon re- 
covering consciousness he refused to go to the rear, continuing to lead his pla- 
toon until wounded by a piece of shrapnel. '^ Sergeant Mart J. Cawley, Sergeant 
Samuel W. Shearer and Private Samuel Santucci, all of "K" Company also, 
although knocked over by a bursting shell, got doggedly to their feet and re- 
mained on duty.'- Sergeant Harry E. Mitchell, of the same company, when 
wounded, disdained even first-aid in his determination to keep up with his men.'^ 
In Company "L", Corporal John Bassusky, with a shrapnel wound in the hand, 
went to a dressing station, but, refusing to be evacuated, returned to his platoon,'^ 
while Sergeant Peter C. Strucel, "walking up and down the line cheering and en- 
couraging his men," was killed instantly.'* 

On the right, where the Second Battalion was echeloned in depth, two non- 
coms of the leading company — "E" — conducted themselves heroically. They 
were Sergeant Carl P. Frank, who, with two other men, captured a machine gun 
nest and seventeen prisoners, and Corporal Eric Rosenfield, who led his squad 
in cleaning up three nests and taking twenty-two prisoners.'- Nor were the other 
companies of the Second Battalion without their deeds of gallantry. In the fore- 
front of those recorded stands the achievement of an automatic rifle patrol of 
"F" Company, headed by Sergeant John A. McCawley. It had been sent out 
to flank several machine gun nests. McCawley got within fifty yards of one of 
the nests and opened fire, directing his men to fire on two others. The patrol 
wiped out entirely the three enemy groups. Other enemy machine gunners spotted 



IVL\LANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 9S 

the determined band and decimated it. Sergeant McCawley being instantly killed. 
Almost all of the men in the patrol were killed or wounded "but the sacrifice saved 
many, for it enabled the company to advance, while the patrol attracted the 
enemy fire."^^ 

Captain Henry M. Smith, Company "G," won the Distinguished Service 
Cross in the advance through Malancourt, when "although painfully wounded 
leading a platoon of his company against strong machine-gun nests, he continued 
the advance until all the machine guns in his immediate front were silenced and 
the crews killed or taken prisoners. He continued on duty until ordered to the 
rear by his regimental commander."^^ Even more thrilling was the exjierience of 
Second Lieutenant (then Sergeant) Joseph Cabla, of Company "F", of whom a 
Division Citation states:'^ 

Sergeant Cabla successfully maneuvered his patrol so he could flank 
the enemy machine gun nests. He advanced within five feet of one 
gunner and opened fire. At this point he directed his fire than six other 
machine gunners directed their fire upon it. Sergeant Cabla then ordereil 
his men to fall back and in doing so received a bullet in his breast stopped 
only by the whistle which he carried. He successfully withdrew his 
platoon to a better position and jiroceeded to use rifle grenades to great 
advantage. While discharging a grenade a sniper bullet hit him in the 
foot. Although the wounds gave him much pain, he refused to leave 
until the machine gun nests were wiped out. 

Then there was Private 1st cl Clifford M. Seiders, of the Machine Gun Com- 
pany, who "advanced ahead of his platoon in the face of heavy machine gun fire, 
entered alone a ruined building and discovered thirteen of the enemy. He shot 
one who resisted capture and made prisoners of the remainder, bringing in with 
him three light machine guns. Later in the same day he captured ten of the 
enemy and five machine guns.'^ 

Thus the 314th fought a bitter struggle, forcmg its way northward foot by 
foot, and in the early hours of the afternoon cooperating with the 313th Infantry's 
final and successful attack upon the Golfe de Malancourt. On hand to cooperate 
also in this attack was Company "B", 311th Machine Gun Battalion, which, 
from 7h, when it, like "C" Company, abandoned its carts, had been struggling 
along, eager to plant its tripods and concentrate its fire on the enemy.'* Private 
John M. Clark, of this unit, was killed in the attack. The other two companies 
of the 311th Machine Gun Battalion, being in Brigade Reserve, had no chance to 
fire,'" but a platoon of "D" Company, supporting a combat liaison group of in- 
fantrymen on the left of the Division sector, indulged in some hand to hand en- 
counters, one of the most notable of which was that of Private 1st cl Claude O. 
Twigg, who, although wounded, cornered twenty-three Boche in a dugout where 
they had sought concealment. Private Twigg had two hand grenades with him 
and there were no comrades near. Nothing daunted, he threatened with the 
grenades and succeeded in marching his twenty-three prisoners to the rear.'' In 
a somewhat similar encounter, Corporal Fred C. Durbin, of the same platoon, 
was killed. 

To return to the 313th Infantry which, since 9h, had been hung up in the 
northern edge of the Bois de Malancourt by the German resistance in the open 



94 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



beyond. No matter how ■well worked out beforehand the plan of attack of an 
operation the size of the Meuse-Argonne battle — 12 miles of front and 600,000 
men — may be, it is absolutely certain that there will arise, during the course of 
the operation, special situations of varying degrees of seriousness that could not 
have been foreseen and are not provided for in the plan of attack. Of such a 
nature was the hea\'y resistance in the Golfe de Malancourt. But it is also true 
that, where the general plan of attack is essentially sound and is carried out in 
the main successfully, these special situations are eventually overwhelmed in the 
general success. So it was in this case. 

Early in the afternoon the Thirty-seventh Division, on the left of the 313th 
Infantry, by normally pushing the attack toward its frontal objective, had passed 
well beyond the German second position before which was the 313th. The 314th 
Infantry, on the right, had also passed the German second position although in 
its case, too, its attention was largely centred upon the resistance in its front. 
The enemy's realization of the menace to his position in this situation, unplanned 




CiERGKS — Ruined Towx ix the Sector of the Division on our Left Fu-iXK 

and uncoordinated as it was, combined with his belief, no doubt, of the greater 
advantage in concentrating his defenses at jNIontfaucon, weakened his resistance. 
Probably, too, his knowledge of the rapidity of the American advance all along 
the line elsewhere, particularly that of the Fourth Division on the Seventy-ninth's 
right, then very nearly on the line of Montfaucon, convinced him that if his posi- 
tion in front of the Bois de Cuisy was not then untenable, it would shortly be so. 
In any case, another frontal attack by the 313th Infantry, assisted by support- 
ing units of the 314th Infantry from the right as well as by a fleet of French "whip- 
pet tanks," which had just come up over the road built by "D" Company, 304th 
Engineers, and the fire of the hea\'y Brownings from the 311th Machine Gun 
Battahon, succeeded in forcing the Germans at last to evacuate the position they 
had held for nearly five hours with conspicuous success. For a while the fighting 
was bitter. Captain Harry Ingersoll and Second Lieutenant William E. Fraley, 
both of "H" Company, were mortally wounded at the barbed wire entanglements 
in the centre of the clearing. The former's "absolute disregard for personal 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 95 

danger" inspired his men to continue after he fell until they swarmed over the 
German position and into the southern edge of the Bois de Cuisy.^^ Sergeant 
Harry E. Forrest, Company "I", also was shot to death by machine guns as he 
led his platoon in a desperate attack. As in the case of Captain Ingersoll's men. 
Sergeant Forrest's followers emulated his splendid courage and stormed the nest 
before them, taking twelve prisoners.'^ Intrepid also was the courage of Chap- 
lain John Carroll Moore, who, although wounded, remained with the attacking 
line, administering to the dying and aiding the wounded. Entering one of the 
enemy trenches with a group of men, Chaplain Moore spied a hand grenade being 
hurled into their midst, and "in utter disregard of personal safety he grabbed the 
grenade to throw it from the trench. It exploded just after leaving his hand, 
seriously wounding him in several places."'^ Once the southern edge of the Bois 
de Cuisy had been won, the Germans began to withdraw, but resisted stubbornly 
in rear-guard actions with the result that there was much hand to hand fighting. 
At the northern edge of the Bois de Cuisy, immediately opposite the heights of 
Montfaucon, the 313th was again checked by machine gun fire. Under its cover, 
the retreat of the enemy infantry was rapid to the comparative safety of Mont- 
faucon. By now it was IGh^' and Colonel Sweezey paused to reorganize. Units 
had been broken up into little groups, widely scattered by the pursuit of the enemy 
through the Bois de Cuisy and the nature of the fighting that accompanied it. 
Montfaucon was too strong a position to move against without the attack being 
thoroughly organized and carried out with the greatest precision. The loss of 
oflScers in the attacks on the German second line had been severe, and the casual- 
ties among the enlisted men had been in proportion. The command of the Second 
Battalion had passed to Captain George C. Burgwin, Jr., of "E" Company, and 
of the Third Battalion to Captain James P. Lloyd, of "L" Company. '' 

All during the hours of the advance of the 157th Brigade, the 158th Brigade 
had been following 1,000 meters in the rear, suffering somewhat from artillery 
fire but having its worst experiences with the machine gunners left behind, unde- 
tected by the assault brigade. Behind the 314th, on the right, the 315th Infantry 
ran into sniper fire almost as soon as it crossed the German first line, and the first 
battle casualty of the regiment was First Lieutenant Raymond T. Turn, of "I" 
Company, who, it is believed, was killed when a sniper bullet exploded a hand 
grenade in his pocket.'^ Pressing forward, the leading battalions had, by early 
afternoon, mopped up what the 314th had overlooked in tlie way of Boche machine 
gun nests in Malancourt. In fact, the zeal of several elements of the 315th In- 
fantry had carried their attack forward so strongly that they found themselves 
fighting side by side with the front line units of the 314th Infantry. The Third 
Battalion, 315th Infantry, to the northwest of that town, ran into serious resist- 
ance in the underbrush. Second Lieutenant Floyd S. Strosnider, of "L" Com- 
pany, was killed by a machine gun bullet,'' but was avenged by his men, of whom 
Private Giacomo Masciarelli alone charged a machine gun nest, "killed one mem- 
ber of the crew and caused the rest to surrender. "^^ Two more nests were cap- 
tured by Corporal Mataus Unchis and two men, the corporal being wounded in 
the accomplishment.^" The tactical disposition of the leading platoon of "K" 
Company was made by First Lieutenant Ernest B. Becker, whose "fearless leader- 



35 



96 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

ship" was responsible in a large measure for the capture by his platoon of two 
machine guns and fourteen prisoners.'"' Corporal Harry L. Greenwood of "K" 
Company "personally led a patrol of four men against a machine gun and cap- 
tured the gun and nine prisoners." He was killed while reorganizing his platoon 
Company "A", of the 312th Machine Gun Battalion, supporting the Third Bat- 
talion of the 315th, afforded both overhead and flanking fire against the positions 
above Malancourt. One section and one-half of the company became separated 
from the rest and assisted the organization of the left subsector, south of Mont- 
faucon." The third officer of the 315th to be killed in action that day was First 
Lieutenant William F. Craig, of the Medical Corps, who was assigned to the Sec- 
ond Battalion. He met instant death tlirough the explosion of a German shell 
at the cross-roads in Malancourt.'" The enlisted personnel of the 315th killed 
on September 26 was as follows: (See Note) 

Company "A" Privates Henry Faller 

Private Patrick J. Egan William Monter 

Charles Staehle 
Company "C" Clifford Pickering 

Private Frakle Kozman John A. Ulrich 

Company "K" 
Company "D" Sergeant Harry L. Greenwood 

Private George R. Hill Private 1st cl Bernard J. Casey 

Private George Gonaff 
Company "F" 
Corporal Pius J. Nau Company "L" 

Privates Thomas T. Bray Privates Anthony M. Forsthoft'er 

Charles O. Dozois "William A. Nash 

Joseph Fox 
Ernest J. Harrison Company "M" 

Pvts. 1st cl Michael J. Joyce 
Company "G" Adolph Kurmin 

Private Guiseppe De Cellis George F. Reedy 

Private Otto E. Grigull 
Company "H" 
Corporal James L. Gallagher Sanitary Detachment 

Private 1st cl William Lentine Private Richard C. Owen 

NOTE: — It is obviously impossible to record the names of the wounded, but 
it must be borne in mind that every list of dead connotes a much longer list of 
wounded. 

On the left of the 158th Infantry Brigade sector, the 316th Infantry also 
ran into machine gun nests, but did not meet the resistance opposed to the ad- 
vance of the 315th. Maintaining its distance of 1,000 meters behind the 313th, 
it had, by noon, reached and passed the Avocourt-Malancourt road and, after 
the 313th ahead had subdued the Germans in the Golfe de Malancourt, it in turn 
crossed the open space into the Bois de Cuisy. Sergeant Charles H. Slair, "L" 
Company, won commendation by the way he reconnoitered the Bois de Cuisy 
ahead of the regimental advance,^ and Private Harold P. Rumberger, Company 
"B," was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for the way in which he re- 
duced a machine gun nest with an automatic rifle.'^ Captain Frederick A. Van 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



97 



Dyke was wounded in the advance on the afternoon of the 26th. The bullet 
pierced his identification tag and forced it under his collar bone, where it was not 
found until a second operation. The experience of Captain Robert Feuardent, 
the French officer attached to the 316th, was typical. He entered a dugout on 
the German first line and came upon three Boche who had escaped the bom- 




RuiNED Church in Cierges. 



bardment and the assault battalions, and who surrendered on sight of his pistol.'' 
The 316th Infantry fatalities on the first day were heavy. The following men 
were killed: 



Company "A" 
Privates Joseph F. Parell 
William Wilcox 

Company "C" 
Sergeant Arthur J. McKinney 

Company "D" 
Corporals Frank L. Mead 

Ralph W. Remick 
James Yost 
Private 1st cl Frederick Putz 
Privates Richard A. Powell 
Thomas F. Purcell 
William A. Traver 

Company "H" 
Sergeant Peter S. Pero 
Private 1st cl John Eschbach 
Privates James O'Neill 

William C. Schhnder 
Privates Harry Semel 

Gordon B. West 

Company "I" 
Corporal Robert H. Hoke 



Private 1st cl Fred O. Mork 
Privates Peter Demko 

Leslie A. Devlin 

Glenn A. Lloyd 

Victor Piccirilh 

Jacob Veton 
Private Edward J. Knaff 

Company "K" 
Privates Francis M. McCaughan 
George M. Markley 
Arthur B. Rooney 
Emil J. Schwab 

Company "L" 
Supply Sergeant John C. Rieker 
Sergeant James E. McKown 
Corporals Samuel R. Foltz 

Fred J. Tolan 
Privates 1st cl Harvey J. Delong 
Louis B. Hay den 
Joseph A. Sjovall 
Oscar W. Swanson 
Privates Edward M. Campbell 
Andrew H. Cookman 
Edward E. Jamerison 



98 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Leo J. L'Homme 

"William J. Miller Company "M" 

Edwin H. Miskell Privates Charles P. Cartin 
Charles S. Roberts Michael F. Duffy 

Headquarters Company WiUiam H. Golden 

Privates George H. Boyer Machine Gun Company 

Carl H. Carmichael Private John R. Duly 

Ralph C. Maurer 

In the final assault into the Bois de Cuisy by the 316th Infantry, Company 
"C", of the 312th Machine Gun Battalion, offered a valuable barrage against 
machine gun nests and snipers,^' and lost one man killed in action, Private Wil- 
liam Oster. Companies "B" and "D", of the same battalion, both in Brigade 
Reserve, secured no targets that day for their weapons. ^"^ Nor was the 310th 
Machine Gun Battalion, in Division Reserve, enabled to get into the action, it 
being halted by military police of the Fourth Division on the cross-roads west 
of Esnes, one kilometer south of Haucourt, because the road was not available 
for Seventy-ninth Division traffic. Its motor equipment was parked on the road- 
side and the troops bivouaced for the night at that point. ^^ 

Behind the advance of the infantry, the other Division units were finding 
the road conditions extremely diSicult. The road allotted to the Division, due 
to its having been torn up in many places by shell fire, was entirely inadequate 
to handle the transportation. In addition, a part of it, through Avocourt, was 
shared with the Thirty-seventh and Ninety-first Division, who were attacking 
further to the west. A very bad traffic jam ensued as a result and the road was 
continually blocked at some point or other throughout the whole period of the 
operations. Fearing this condition, a request had been made upon Corps, two 
days before the attack, for authorization to the Seventy-ninth Division to use the 
Esnes-Malancourt road, but this was refused and the Division started the advance 
with its only outlet to the front, the Avocourt-Malancourt connection with the 
Malancourt-Montfaucon road.** What this meant is described in the laconic 
field message penned at llh 15 by Lieutenant Colonel Barber, of the 304th En- 
gineers, who had returned from a forward reconnaissance to determine the con- 
ditions. The message read:'^ 

Axial road into Avocourt will be OK within one hour. From there N. 
3-4 K. M. can be repaired in a few hours. From that point on all roads 
seem to be lost. All forward area a mass of craters. Must have unlimited 
help to construct both roads. Advise what I can expect. 

Company "F," 304th Engineers had been detailed on the night of September 
25-26 to work on the cut-off which connected the road leading to Esnes, from the 
middle of the sector, with the Esnes-Avocourt road. Company "D", at work on 
a path for the tanks, had an infantry company from the Division Reserve to as- 
sist it.^° Company "A" had a platoon detached for forward reconnaissance and 
liaison with the infantry. The balance of "A" company and the remaining com- 
panies were at work on various sections of the Avocourt-Malancourt road. By 
early afternoon the road had been rebuilt as far as the southern edge of the Bois de 
Malancourt and reinforcement then received, two companies from the 52nd 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



99 




100 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Pioneer Infantry and one company from the 310th Engineers, enabled better 
progress to be made from then on/* Colonel Jervey, the Division Engineer; 
Lieutenant Colonel Barber; in field command of the regiment, and Captains Clin- 
ton W. Morgan, of "A" Company, and Gordon H. Fernald, of "D" Company, 
all received Division Citations for their work in directing the road building at this 
point. ^' In the case of Company "A," being the most advanced, it was constantly 
under sniper and machine gun fire. One platoon, which had followed the infantry, 
ran into a machine gun nest in the Bois de Malancourt and silenced it, capturing 
the gun and eight prisoners." Lieutenant Arthur C. Rubel, commanding another 
platoon, was held up by a machine gun while reconnoitering. Lieutenant Rubel 
"proceeded ahead of two men of his platoon and personally disposed of two Ger- 
man gunners."'^ For this act Lieut. Rubel was later awarded the D. S. C. 




hJM^*\ 



Axial Ro,\d, Avocourt — Malancourt, Showing Fill at Point where German Trench Crossed 

Road. 

He and his platoon then returned with the machine gun and nine prisoners.** One 
man of Company "A," Private Charles S. Simpson, while working in the advanced 
road detail, was killed by a machine gun. 

In the meanwhile, at 15h Major General Kuhn had moved from the Division 
P. C. at Hill 309 to the advance information centre, three kilometers to the north- 
east at P. C. Zouave, located on the ridge of Hill 304, where the Esnes-Malancourt 
road crossed it. The Division P. C, however, could not be moved forward at 
the same hour because of the poor telephonic communication, and it was neces- 
sary for Colonel Ross, Chief of Staff, to remain at the old post until 19h. At 14h 
50 a message from the "V" Corps was received stating that General Cameron, the 
Corps' Commander, "desires attack pushed."*^ At that time the "V" Corps was 
entirely out of touch with the Seventy-ninth Division and ignorant of its advance 
or of the resistance it was encountering. Likewise, the Corps had received er- 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



101 



roneous reports of its progress from neighboring troops and was under the impres- 
sion that the advance was not being pressed with sufficient rapidity. The reason 
contact had been lost between the Corps and the Seventy-ninth Division was 
because the wire furnished the latter by Corps was so poorly insulated that it 
went out as soon as it became wet. Both Colonel Ross, at the Division P. C, 
and General Kuhn, at P. C. Zouave, endeavored to forward this message from the 
Corps to the commanding general of the 157th Infantry Brigade. Unfortunately, 
General Nicholson had moved his P. C. without making necessary provisions for 
liaison, and it was not until 17h 35 that the message from the Chief of Staff reached 
him.""" 

This message eventually was forwarded to Colonel Sweezey, of the 313th, 
just when that regiment was reforming on the northern e dge of the Bois deCuisy, 
after having been driven back by machine gun fire from Montfaucon. Darkness 




Slope Tow.^kd Montfaucon, up which the 313th Inf.\ntry, 79th Divisiun, Kuught 
AGAINST Desperate Machine Gun Resi8ta.vce. 

was coming on, and, "although the Regimental Commander did not wish to at 
tack this strong position without his troops being able to see the machine gun- 
opposed to them, in view of the orders received, the attack was ordered."-' Whether 
or not Montfaucon could have been taken late on the afternoon of September 26 
by a coordinated attack, involving units on the right and left of the 313th, is a 
matter of difference of opinion among the officers on the ground at the time. In 
any case, the means of arranging such an attack did not exist in the short time at 
hand. However, with a single regiment, well shot up, as the only offensive 
weapon, it seemed like a hopeless task then. The backbone of the attack as 
planned was some seven or eight French "whippet tanks", gathered together after 
the attack on the German second position, in which a number of them had assisted, 
and reported to Colonel Sweezey by their French commander. Likewise there 
was the first battalion of the 313th, almost fresh, to swing from support to assault. 



102 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Between the Bois de Cuisy and IVIontfaucon lay a valley, the slope to the 
bottom of which was gradual from the Bois and very much steeper from INIont- 
faucon on account of its much greater height. Down this slope at 18h rolled the 
tanks in the face of terrific machine gun fire, and behind them the 313th Infantry. 
Progress was necessarily slow. Only by short rushes was any advance possible. 
It took three-quarters of an hour to reach the bottom of the valley and just about 
that time the gradually deepening dusk gave way entirely to the pitch darkness of 
night. On account of the darkness the French commander refused to continue 
with his tanks and withdrew. Colonel Sweezey, in the face of an utterly hopeless 
situation, ordered the regiment back to the only available defensive position in 
the Bois de Cuisy, where the night was spent in preparation for an attack on the 
morrow. One company, however, "K", had gained the outskirts of Montfaucon 
when the order came to withdraw. Only with great difficulty was the company 
relieved from its dangerous position. Again the 313th had suffered hea\y casual- 
ties. Scattered over the slope into the valley lay the toll of a daring attempt to 
accomplish the impossible. Half way down lay one dead officer. Second Lieu- 
tenant Thomas Vandiver, of "B" Company. At the furthest point down lay 
the body of the last of the three battalion commanders, Major Israel Putnam, 
killed instantly by a bullet through his head." The heaA'y fatalities of the regi- 
ment in that single day speak for themselves. The killed among the enlisted per- 
sonnel were as follows: 



Company "A" 
Private Andrew J. McVeigh 

Company "B" 
Corporal William W. Murphy 
Mechanic Martin j\I. Roberts 
Privates Biaggio Grillo 

David E. Long 

Levi T. Naylor 

Frederick W. Prettyman 

Christoforo Quinto 

Walter A. Shaw 

Company "C" 
Corporal Jolm B. O'Melia 
Private 1st cl John H. McCoy 
Private Harry A. Sunderland 

Company "D" 
Corporals Boyed Crandall 

Harry B. Morgan 
Privates Herbert A. Ingram 
Samuel Schless 

Company "E" 
Privates Samuel B. Cohee 
James F. Carey 
Domenico Creno 
Charles F. Scott 



Company "F" 
Sergeant Walter G. Bode 
Bugler John E. Fuchs 
Private 1st cl Alvin G. White 
Privates George E. Airey 

Raymond A. Brandau 
Thomas Cooper 
John C. Hauck 
Willis Jackson 
Francis X. Koerner 
John H. Lambert 
James C. Mulcrone 
Emmett L. Roberts 

Company "G" 
Private Felix Morris 

Company "H" 
Corporals Thomas A. Ricker 

Harry D. Wantland 
Mechanic Julius F. Richter 
Headquarters Company 
Private 1st cl William J. Biscoe 
Privates Maynard W. Stevens 

Agostino Strazza 
Private 1st cl Michael F. CuUen 
Privates Charles R. Burkholder 
Clarence E. Eccleston 
Henry Heller 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



103 



Martin P. Kavanaugh 
Russell R. Messick ' 
George E. Neher 
Salvatore Stagno 
Leroy F. Thompson 
Maurice G. Walsh 

Company "I" 
Sergeant Harry E. Forrest 

Company "K" 
Corporals George E. Grill 

Bernard J. Mclntyre 
Privates Charles J. Doerfler 
John A. Merryman 
Henry E. Tirschman 

Company "L" 
Prvate 1st cl David Miller 
Privates Joseph Budd 

Joseph E. Cummings 
Fred A. Einschutz 
John H. Lang 



Company "M" 
Sergeants John E. Martin 

Fred H. Rumenap 
Corporals Howard E. Crispens 
August T. Schultz 
William J. Slicher 
Privates Charles H. Andrews 
John Carney 
Isador Goldberg 
WiUiam A. Graham 
Rocco Mariani 
Ernest Martin 
Isadore Nagdyman 
Isidor Rudoy 
Thomas Russell 
Joseph StGermain 
Stamatios Sakellarides 
Amos R. Taylor 
Daniel L. VanlNIater 



Machine Gun Company 
Private Antone Eberlein 



On the right of the advance zone, just as the 313th Infantry was launching 
its final and futile assault of the day at 18h, the 31-ltli Infantry liud managed to 
advance one kilometer north of Malancourt, and had silenced all machine guns 
save those on the strongpoint a kilometer and one-half northwest of the town.'' 
The regiment was badly in need of reorganization and was in no shape to attempt 
a further advance until such a reorganization had been effected. The battalions 
were again arranged in depth, but it was a tedious job and before it was com- 
pleted, the 313th, on the left, had retired to bivouac for the night in the Bois de 
Cuisy. Thereupon, at 20h 30, Colonel Oury ordered his regiment to dig in, the 
front line being in liaison with the front of the companion regiment.^' The deaths 
among the men of the 314th Infantry were as follows: 



Company "C" 
Privates William C. Foreaker 
Samuel Sandler 

Company "D" 
Sergeant Michael C. Ventura 
Private William H. Cutting 

Company "E" 
Sergeant Samuel C. Hulings 
Corporals David T Smith 

Joseph E Stanton 
Privates Harley P. Chase 
Irvin Ebling 
Daniel J. Falvey 
Ermen E. Lepley 
Wladislaw Szadziewicz 



Company "F" 
Sergeant John A. McCawley 
Private Charles O. Yoder 

Company "G" 
Sergeant Lee A. Brooks 
Corporals Charles L. Guthrie 
Harold R. Peters 
John Shimko 
Privates Joseph E. Castro 
Jefferis Higgins 
Harry D. Miller 
Anthony J. Mitsko 
Chester C. Riley 
Gurney F. Weist 
Donato Zerillo 



104 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Privates Henry J. Cronan 
Herbert Tweedale 

Company "M" 
Supply Sergeant James P. O'Connor 
Privates Lewis E. Babcock 

Harry F. Barrett 

Walter C. Good 

Charles A. Henry 

Dearborn J. McAleer 

Edward M. McAvoy 

Roy A. Thomas 

John F. Walter 



Headquarters Company 
Privates James C. Mitchell 
Martin N. Shank 



Company "H" 
Private 1st cl Horard E. Laughlin 

Company "I" 
Privates James Dillon 

William A Ernst 
Anthony J. Leva 
John Martinkus 
Morris Slup 

Company "K" 
Corporal William R. Hartman 
Privates Peter Ducharme 

Frederick Hull 

James F. Mulholland 

\\'illiam Pierce, Jr. 

William L. Reardon 

Max Silver 

Company "L" 
Sergeant Peter Strucel 

During the entire first day of the fight, the 304th Sanitary Train had been 
functioning admirably, but was being terribly delayed in the evacuation of the 
wounded by the congested condition of the Avocourt-INIalancourt road. The 
train had detailed an ofiicer, four non-coms and forty men from the four ambulance 
companies to each of the four infantry regiments.-" These medical details fol- 
lowed close upon the heels of the advance, establishing first aid and dressing sta- 
tions in dugouts or wherever cover was available. They were often under ma- 
chine gun and sniper fire and frequently advanced so rapidly that they found 
themselves practically in the first wave of an assault. ^^ Only one man in the 
Sanitary Train lost his life that day. He was Private Joseph W. Daily, of the 
313th Ambulance Company, who "repeatedly exposed himself to heavy fire 
evacuating the wounded until fatally wounded by shell fire.""" During the day, 
the advance dressing stations of Ambulance Companies 313 and 315 were moved 
forward, the former to a point south of the Esnes-Avocourt road and the latter 
to the Division P. C. at Zouave. ^^ 

As night fell on September 26, the Division Commander was only with dif- 
ficulty learning the position of his advance units. The telephonic communica- 
tions were "out" most of the time, owing to the wires grounding in bad weather 
and being severed by tanks, trucks and artillery passing over them. In addition, 
the 214th French Aero Squadron failed to deliver a single report as to the loca- 
tion of the American front lines, or the enemy positions. ''•' The Sixth U. S. Bal- 
loon Company, its direct wires gone, about llh 30, endeavored to maintain liaison 
through its officers reporting in person, but the system was too slow because of 
the distance to be traveled.** The chief method for accurate information, conse- 
quently, was by runner or by staff officers and naturally this system could not 
help but be slow also. A field message despatched by Colonel Oury of the 314th 
at 23h 35, and delivered by runner a long time afterwards, informed the Division 
Commander that his advance line was occupying a former German trench on the 
coordinates 12.8-76.0 to 13.1-76.3.^' All efforts to get into communication with 



MALANCOURT AND .AIONTFAUCON 



105 





a 
■< 
o 



« 

CO 
H 
Z 

00 






106 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



General Nicholson, however, were proving futile. Just before midnight, when 
the Division Staff was trying to puzzle out the whereabouts of the 313th Infantry, 
an imperative order came from the Chief of Staff, "V" Corps, stating:*' 

Commander in Chief expects 79th Division to advance tonight to position 
abreast of 4th Div. in the vicinity of Nantillois. 

This was amplified by a message from the Corps, received at Oh 30 on the 
morning of September 27, and which read:''^ 

The Army Commander has issued the following instructions: 
"Division and Brigade commanders will place themselves as far up 
toward the front of the advance of their respective units as may be 




Wounded Men Watching Prisoners File Balk thru Malancouht. 

necessary to direct their movements with energy and rapidity in any 
attack. The enemy is in retreat or holding lightly in places, and advance 
elements of several divis.ions are already on First Army objectives and 
there should be no delay or hesitation in going forward. Detachments 
of sufficient size will be left behind to engage isolated strong points 
which will be turned and not be permitted to hold up or delay the ad- 
vance of the entire brigade or division. All officers will push their units 
forward with all possible energy. Corps and Division Commanders 
will not hesitate to relieve on the spot any officer of whatever rank, who 
fails to show in this emergency those qualities of leadership required 
to accompolish the task which confronts us. This order will be published 
to all concerned by the quickest means possible. Pershing." 

A further delay in getting in liaison with General Nicholson could not be 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



107 



thought of. General Kuhn, however, had sufficient communication with the 
commander of the 158th Infantry Brigade to work out a new plan for the advance 
which would at least guarantee an assault by the 314th Infantry on the right 
front. He, therefore, at Ih 15 despatched the foDowing message to General 
Noble, which was received by the latter at 2h 22:°' 

Pursuant to instructions from the Commander in Chief, the Division 
Commander directs that you advance at once with the 315th Infantry 
in the Divisional sector. The 4th Division will be on your right. The 
314th Infantry is reported across the Malancourt-Montfaucon road 
about 1 km. N. W. of Malancourt. The C. O. 314th Inf. has been sent 
instructions to move forward at once, and if possible to transmit similar 




View Looking i\ 



CUISY. 



orders to the C. O. 313th Inf. If, on arriving at present location of the 
314th Inf., you find that these instructions to its commanding oflicer 
have not been received or obeyed, you will take command of the 314th 
Infantry and will advance as rapidly as possible without regard to the pro- 
gress made by the Division on your right and left. Should you find 
that the 314th Infantry has moved forward, you will move forward in 
support of that regiment. You will take every possible measure to press 
the advance with the utmost vigor and will report the location of your 
P. C. and that of your regiments at these headquarters by runner, if 
telephone is not available. The forward information center of the Division 
will be located at Malancourt, to which point Division P. C. will move 
at the earliest practicable moment. 

Communication with General Nicholson was not established until several 
hours later, the following message being sent at 4h 53:''^ 



108 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Imperative orders from Commander in Chief require that the 79th 
Division advance at once to come in line with neighboring divisions. 
Owing to your having broken haison it was necessary to place Gen. 
Noble in charge of the 315th and 314th Regiments to make an immediate 
advance. You are directed to take command of the 313th and 316th 
Regiments and to push on with all possible speed the to First Army 
first phase objective. Location of these regiments not definitely known. 

This message was received by General Nicholson at 5h 15*^ and more than 
an hour before then, the 314th Infantry was off for the opening assault of Sep- 
tember 27. By this time also, the Intelligence Section of the Seventy-ninth had 
established the fact that the Germans opposing the advance on their front con- 
sisted of the 117th Division, comprising one infantry brigade, the 233rd, of three 
infantry regiments — the 11th Grenadiers and 157th Infantry on the front line 
from east to west, and the 450th Regiment in support. '^^ What was not known 
at that time, however, was, that during the night of September 26-27, the 37th 
German Division had appeared upon the scene with another infantry brigade, 
the 73rd, comprising the 147th, 150th and 151st Regiments, one of whom, the 
151st, had already relieved the badly shattered 450th Regiment of the 117th 
Division.^' 

At 4h September 27, in response to a verbal order from Colonel Oury, the 
314th Infantry started forward in the darkness. From the moment that "I" 
Company, leading the Third Battalion on the left, and "E" Company, leading 
the Second Battalion on the right, emerged in the darkness from the old German 
trenches where they had secured only a few hours of rest, the resistance began, 
stiffening as the men pressed forward. It was machine gun opposition from the 
start, with severe enfilading fire sweeping in from both flanks, the left being scourged 
by the nests in the strong point now but a half kilometer to the northwest and the 
right by a similar position in the vicinity of Cuisy, about a kilometer to the north- 
east. Along the axial road — the Malancourt-Montfaucon highway — which the 
regiment was practically astride, the enemy had placed numerous rapid-fire 
weapons.'' Fortunately, the very blackness of the night prevented any accuracy 
in the enemy fire, but it also had the effect of concealing the strong points from 
the Americans. As a result, a number of nests were passed unsuspectingly and 
had to be mopped up by the support companies. In the right battalion, for ex- 
ample. Corporal William J. Walsh, of "H" Company, leading a scouting patrol 
about 300 meters in advance of his company, was fired upon by machine guns 
and several members of the patrol were wounded. Corporal Walsh carried one 
man to shelter and aided several others also to concealment. Then he returned 
to the remnant of the patrol and they began to flank the enemy. In the end, the 
Corporal and his men had located six machine gun nests and had shot the entire 
crew of one of them.'^ The Third Battalion, on the left, had even harder going, 
particularly "I" Company in the lead. Its immediate objective was the strong 
point a half-kilometer in front, and the German defenses were a series of emplace- 
ments each protected by radiating fire from guns further to the rear. Frequently 
a whole platoon would be held up by the fire which there was no possible means 
to flank. First Sergeant Mike A. Hartman, of this company, at one point ad- 



MALANCOIRT AND MONTFAUCON 109 

vaiiced alone and silenced a nest which was holding up the line." Similar was 
the deed of Sergeant Louis S. Smith in another platoon. ^^ Private Raymond 
H. Koch, while his platoon was being held at bay, worked his way up a flank and 
drew the enemy fire. He kejit the attention of the machine gunners upon him 
long enough for the balance of the platoon to rush and take the weapons.'- One 
of the machine guns, passed in the darkness by "I" Company, was taken by "K" 
Company, the operation costing the life of Corporal James J. Mullen, who was 
mortally wounded leading his squad to the assault.'^ Corporal Edward C. Punch 
was also wounded, but refused first aid and continued to lead his squad.'- 

Just as daylight — a rainy, foggy, miserable morning — put in its appearance, 
the last rush of the Third Battalion carried the organized strong point on its front, 
and, at the same time, the Second Battalion completed the subjugation of two 
machine gun nests in a small woods along the western edge of the Malancourt- 
Montfaucon road.'' At 6h, with the regiment reorganizing for another push 
forward toward the higher land ahead. Colonel Oury moved his P. C. forward to 
a point in the centre of what had been the front line at 4h.'' 

What was the situation at this time on the left of the Division sector, where 
General Nicholson had, at 5h 15, received the order to take command of the 313tli 
and 316tli Infantry and pu.sh forward? Before taking u]) the progress there, it 
is necessary to revert for a moment to the situation in the rear. The "V" Corps 
had notified the Seventy-ninth Division the preceding afternoon that a section of 
the Malancourt-Montfaucon road from Malancourt to the Cuisy cut-off, which 
was a few meters ahead of the 314th's jjosition on the night of September 'iQ-'il, 
would have to be used jointly by the Fourth and Seventy-ninth Divisions. ^^ The 
situation which was going to arise from this order became a serious one. The 
Fourth Division had the road from Esnes to Malancourt and the Malancourt 
Montfaucon road was practically a northern continuation of this highway. The 
Seventy-ninth Division, however, had the Avocourt-Malancourt road, which 
crossed the former "No Man's Land" diagonally and for a distance of nearly 
three kilometers had been totally oliliterated by four years of constant shell fire. 
The result was that the traffic of both divisions met in Malancourt and proceeded 
jointly along the Malancourt-Montfaucon road for ^H kilometers, before the 
Fourth Division traffic could be diverted to the right. All the roads in this for- 
ward area were extremely narrow and designed for light one-way traffic only. 
Laboring through the night on the Avocourt-Malancourt road, and with a bare 
hour or two of rest,''* the 304th Engineers were gradually, toward dawn, making 
it passable. Lieutenant Colonel Barber notified the Division Engineer at 2h 45, 
September 27: 

Avocourt-Malancourt road now open for horse drawn vehicles. Ex- 
pect to be able to let trucks through at 8h. 

At 6h the Division trains entered Malancourt, but were held up pending 
the further advance of the infantry, and "the roads were crowded for miles with 
conveyances of all descriptions — ammunition trains, rolling kitchens, field trains, 
motorcycles, and an increasing number of ambulances with the wounded.^' With 
this congestion on the only Division road, and the road itself passable only with 



110 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



"the precaution of careful and skillful driving, "^^ the Division Commander had 
despaired of getting any light artillery to the support of the advancing infantry 
without permission to use the axial roads of one or other of the flanking divisions. 
Fortunately this had been secured in the early hours of the morning, and a bat- 
talion of 75's from the 147th Field Artillery of General Irwin's 57th Artillery Bri- 
gade, had been despatched forward through Esnes to Malancourt over the Fourth 
Division road. It arrived behind the 313th Infantry in time to open effective 
fire on the southern slope of Montfaucon at 6h. Colonel Sweezey had been noti- 
fied of its coming, and understood that at 7h it would begin a rolling barrage to 
protect the advance of the infantry. 

At 7h, therefore, as arranged, the 313th left the Bois de Cuisy and started 




r^:f 



m 





... ■'^^:^ - ■■'■ 



Dump on Road Leading fhom Avocourt-Malancouht Road. 



,":Si«r'^» 



down the gentle slope toward the bottom of the valley and then up the steeper 
slope opposite toward the ruins on the hilltop." At practically the same time 
the 314tli Infantry, on the right, fully reorganized, sprang forward again along the 
Malancourt-Montfaucon road. "Against the sky-line looking up toward Mont- 
faucon" the advance of the infantry could be seen even from as far south as Mal- 
ancourt.^^ 

From this point on, the Seventy-ninth Division received continual harassing 
fire from the enemy hea\'y artillery The whole approach to Montfaucon and the 
Bois de la Tuilerie, which lay immediately east of the town, was an open plain, 
inclining upward. It offered no places of concealment, save an occasional 
bush here and there on the slope, and it was plotted for enfilading fire from the 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



111 



northern edge of the Bois de Cuisy clear to the outskirts of the defenses on the 
hilltop. Because of its elevation it stood out, clearly discernible for miles around, 
and the enemy artillery from two points could sweep it by direct fire, observing 
the effect of every shell. These points were in the Argonne hills, some ten kilo- 
meters due west, and the summit of Hill 378, on the far side of the Meuse River 
about the same distance to the east By indirect fire, the Boche artillery to the 
north, in the protection of woodland around Cierges and Romagne, also com- 
manded the approach. From these three locations, then, as the two infantry 
regiments of the 157th Brigade came into the open, there poured an incessant and 
terrific fire of high explosives and shrapnel. There was no heavy artillery to 
reply to this enemy fire. The 157th Brigade had for support only the battalion 




Aeroplane View of Montfaucon Looking toward Septsarges. 

of 75's, which could cover the immediate defenses of Montfaucon and the Bois de 
la Tuileries, and Company "D," of the 311th Machine Gun Battalion, which was 
in support of the 313th Infantry, and which gave direct overhead fire as the latter 
advanced. 

The 313th attacked with the Second Battalion on the left and the First Bat- 
talion on the right, the Third Battalion being in support." A half-dozen French 
"whippet tanks" rolled forward ahead of the men. For the first 300 meters no 
machine gun resistance of any account was met, but from that point, which was 
at the beginning of the upward slope, the machine gun fire was withering in its 
intensity, yet not so bad as that which had been encountered the previous night. 
One captured machine gunner here informed Colonel Sweezey that he was one 



im HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

operator of three machine guns on the flat in front of the town, and that there 
were thirty-two more guns on the slopes leading up to it.^^ The attack was gal- 
lantly pushed, despite all opposition, and even hand grenades were being hurled 
among the men as they swarmed up the hillside.^' First Lieutenant Joseph H. 
Cochran, of Company G, in the leading echelon of the Second Battalion, "showed 
remarkable courage and absolute disregard of his personal safety in leading his 
platoon against machine gun positions and against a position of the enemy from 
which hand grenades were thrown at his platoon."-* Similar commendation 
was given Sergeant August A. Schwenke, of Company "B", leading a detachment 
of his platoon in the forefront of the first battalion advance.^* In the face of this 
resistance, but with remarkably low casualties, the 313th forced its way to the 
edge of Montfaucon by llh, the Second Battalion entering the outskirts of the 
town to the left, or western side, and the First and Third Battalions through the 
streets and eastern edge." For the next forty-five minutes the men were en- 
gaged in mopping up the snipers lingering in the ruins, and this was done under 
constant shellfire which the enemy rained on the summit when once their major 
forces had retreated. The conquest of the town was completed at llh 45 and five 
minutes later Colonel Sweezey's P. C. was established on the eastern slope of the 
hill near the cemetery." At I'Sh 15 Colonel Sweezey had written the following 
historical message: 

U. S. ARMY FIELD MESSAGE 



TIHC FILED 



HO. 



SENTBY^ TIME RECEIVED BY TIME 

HESE SPACES FOR SICNAl- OPCtVATORS ONLY. 



CHECK 



From 
At 



*N I Jil^^^ SPACES FOR SICNALOPCnATORS ONLY I 

" <yw>;yc Qt.di — -^ — -7 

T, >%M^C(^ i , 'i^ 




^36^ 



/A * ^ M ^Jt ^ i ^ — I'^Cirvt^t^l 






jkc/M ^ ^2 t^ 



Original Message sent by Col. Swee.vet to General Kuhn 
This message, turned over to the detail from Company C, 30-lth Field Signal 
Battalion, having in charge the pigeons with the advance forces, was fastened in 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 113 

the metal capsule on the leg of Pigeon 47. The bird arrived at the pigeon loft, 
just outside of Jouy-en-Argonne, "with its left wing torn and bleeding, evidently 
caused by shrapnel, after having struggled through a heavy artillery fire, cover- 
ing the distance of about fourteen miles in one hour and forty-three minutes. "'' 
The pigeon loft did not telephone the contents of the message to Division P. C, 
or, if they did, it was never received,^* and consequently the first news received by 
General Kuhn of the capture of the stronghold came in the shape of another field 
message, written by Colonel Sweezey at 13h 5 and conveyed by courier. This 
read as follows :^^ 

Took town of Montfaucon llh 55, after considerable fighting in town. 
Many snipers left behind. Town shelled to slight extent after our 
occupation. Am moving on to corps objective and hope to reach 
it by 16 H. Sweezey 

Request artillery fire on Bois de Beuge beginning 2:30 P. M. and 
lifted at 4:00 P. M. 

The message was received at the Division P. C. at 13h 30 or one hour and 
forty minutes after the actual capture. General Kuhn, with an aide and an or- 
derly immediately rode up to Montfaucon under heavy shell fire, and made an 
examination of the front lines in order to make a definite report to Corps that this 
stronghold was now held by the Seventy-ninth Division. 

The immediate organization of the captured stronghold was begun. Two 
Germans were found operating a buzzerphone, and apparently directing the 
enemy fire/' as, when they were corralled, the artillery firing began to lose some 
of its efifectiveness. Companies "A," "B" and "D", of the 311th Machine Gun 
Battalion entered Montfaucon immediately behind the infantry and took up a 
position on the slope to the north, where, at 12h, Company B opened a successful 
fire on a group of German infantry retreating in column.^' Peculiarly enough, 
this fire was directed by means of captured German artillery glasses.^' At 13h 
30 it was reported that a German counter-attack was pending from the vicinity 
of Cierges. The machine guns were already in position to oppose it, and Colonel 
Sweezey notified General Nicholson at 14h 25 by runner that "counter attack 
being launched by Germans. Tanks, gas and shrapnel is only information we 
have."''' The attack, however, did not develop. ^^ 

The advance of the 314th Infantry, on the right of the Division sector, dur- 
ing the advance abreast of the 313th had been, if anything, more desperately 
opposed. From 7h, when the leading battalions passed through the small woods 
on the Malancourt-Montfaucon highway and advanced into the open, the artillery 
fire had been exceedingly destructive. Colonel Oury was at all times in complete 
liaison with his three battalions and received frequent information as to good 
artillery targets. The supporting 75's for his regiment, however, could not get 
through the traffic jam, and the messages were relayed back to the Division P. C. 
and from there forwarded to the artillery brigade. Whenever possible, without 
endangering the front lines, the artillery heavies sought out the targets, but the 
relief afforded could be but slight because of constant advance and frequent 
changes in the front line of the infantry.*' The regiment, fortunately, had a par- 
tial salvation at hand in the shape of the one pounder platoon of the Headquarters 



114 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Company, which had fallen behind during the first day's attack. The one pound- 
ers came up during the night and were assigned by sections to the three battalions 
before dawn.^* When Company "I" was hung up a little later by machine gun 
fire in front, Private George G. Neidig was despatched with a message to the 
battalion commander requesting the support of the Third Battalion's section of 
the small guns. He passed through a field of intensive machine gun fire to de- 
liver his message.^^ Immediately the section moved forward, where, shortly 
afterwards, Sergeant Clarence A. Owens, also of "I" Company, daring machine 
gun and artillery fire, reached it and gave it the locations of the enemy strong- 
points.^^ The liaison between "I" Company and the one pounders was splendidly 
maintained throughout by Sergeant Owens and Private William Seaman, the 




German Pill Box on Slope of Montfaucon. 

latter suffering from severe mustard gas burns.^^ Machine gun and artillery fire 
scattered most of the crew of one of the 37mm guns shortly after it went into ac- 
tion. Sergeant Ray J. Howells, the chief of piece, and Private William B. Cram- 
mer, the loader, both of the Headquarters Company, remained undaunted, serv- 
ing the weapon. Within a few minutes Sergeant Howells was seriously wounded 
by a machine gun bullet. Private Crammer thereupon "went alone out into the 
open where his gun was in battery, and, although in direct observation of the 
enemy machine gun positions, unassisted pulled the gun back under cover.' '^^ 
The fire of the one pounders soon proved effective, the nests being reduced and 
the company again being able to advance. Shell fire from that point onward was 
more deadly than machine gun bullets. Sergeant John C. Strider, of "I" Com- 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 115 

pany was instantly killed by a high explosive, while encouraging his men to the 
attack.^- Private 1st cl Speros Pappadopoul, of the same company, was seriously 
wounded in a heavy artillery barrage just after he had used his autoniittic rifle 
successfully against several machine gun nests. '^ 

The other companies of the Third Battalion were suffering almost as severely. 
In the open ground leading upward to the Bois de la Tuilerie, Captain Clarence 
Patton Freeman, of Company "M", was mortally wounded by snipers, and Second 
Lieutenant Clifl'ord McK. Alexander, of Company "L", instantly killed by shell 
fire. In the latter company, Corporal Riva Persing was badly wounded in the 
leg by shrapnel. He was sent back to a dressing station and ordered evacuated. 
He rebelled and returned to his company, carrying on during the balance of the 
engagement. ^^ Likewise, in "K" Company, Private 1st cl David Loiselle had his 
wrist broken by a fragment of high explosive, while delivering a message to his 
platoon commander. He refused first aid until after he had delivered the mes- 
sage and was then ordered to the rear by the platoon commander.''^ 

By noon the leading elements of the regiment had left the ]\Ialancourt-Mont- 
faucon road, where it converged with the road from Cuisy, and had struck across 
the Fayel Farm and into the Bois de la Tuilerie, due east of Montfaucon.^' Within 
these woods, where the resistance was great, the 314th captured four 77mm guns.'' 
Just at this time. Colonel Knowles, of the 315th Infantry, reported to Colonel 
Oury that he, the latter, was now in command of a Provisional Brigade consisting 
of the 314th and 315th Infantry. Colonel Oury at that hour had established his 
P. C. at Chapelle des Malades, and immediately took steps to reorganize the 
brigade for a further advance. '' 

The conditions which had brought about this change, dated back a number 
of hours. At 5h, September 27, General Kuhn, with his Chief of Staff, Colonel 
Ross, and an aide, had set out on horseback along the Esnes-Malancourt road to 
make a personal examination of the situation. On reaching Haucourt he dis- 
covered that there had been a failure to put into execution certain orders relating 
to the 158th Infantry Brigade which led to the immediate relief of the responsible 
officer and a reforming of the infantry brigades. The 313th and 316th Infantry 
composed the 157th Provisional Brigade, under General Nicholson, just as previ- 
ously arranged in the message to the latter at 4h 53, while the 314th and 315th 
Infantry formed the 158th Provisional Brigade, under command of Colonel 
Knowles, until word could be sent to Colonel Oury placing him in command as 
the senior officer.^" The Division Commander then moved on to Haucourt at 7h 
and established a new P. C. there, receiving the news of the fall of Montfaucon 
at that point some hours later, while the Chief of Staff returned to P. C. Zouave 
to retain contact with Corps through relay telephone until a connection could be 
laid between the Corps and the new P. C.^" 

Both the 315th and 316th Infantry regiments advanced during the morning 
of September 27 without encountering any resistance worth mentioning. On the 
right, the 315th, with the First and Third Battalions leading, had by noon 
reached a point a half kilometer south of the Fayal Farm, astride of the Malan- 
court-Montfaucon road, where it awaited further orders while Colonel Knowles 
reported the brigade to Colonel Oury. "L" Company alone indulged in skir- 



116 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



mishing. A platoon headed by Lieutenant John T. Ford had been held up 
temporarily in a trench by the fire of snipers from the small woods along the high 
way. The snipers had evidently lain concealed while the 314th passed. Lieu- 
tenant Ford took a rifle from one of the men, worked his way out of the trench, 
and mortally wounded one of the snipers.^" 

The 316th Infantry, on the left, had gotten away on September 27 at 6h 45 
and three hours later was in the northern edge of the Bois de Cuisy. The First 
and Third Battalions, leading, maintained the proper distance behind the 313th. 
At 12h 50 a message from Colonel Sweezey requested a battalion of the 316th 
to support his regiment in case the expected enemy counter-attack developed, and 
the First Battalion of the 316th was then moved close up to Montfaucon and two 
compan'es sent from the brigade reserve to reinforce it. At 13h both leading 








•••-^->r 



Shell bursting in midst of Truck Train, Near Cuisy. 

battalions of the 316th were in Montfaucon, the 313th having passed to the pla- 
teau beyond.*^ 

In the meanwhile, at llh 30, the traffic which had been tied up in Malancourt 
was released northward over the Malancourt-Montfaucon road.^^ In short order 
the jam was terrific. Brigadier General William Mitchell, Commander of the 
Air Service of the First Army, subsequently stated that "although there was some 
congestion in other places, it was worse in this area than I had ever seen on a battle- 
field."*^ After a few hours of the jam, it was decided to make the Avocourt- 
Malancourt section a one-way road, southbound, all traffic for both the Seventy- 
ninth and Fourth Divisions to use the Esnes-Malancourt road northbound. One 
of the results of this was to necessitate the turning back of all Seventy-ninth 
Division trains at Avocourt clear around to Esnes before they could proceed to- 
ward the front." The Division P. C. at Haucourt, after the receipt of the mes- 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 117 

sages regarding a tlireatened counter-attack upon Montfaucon, decided to rein- 
force the 314th Infantry with the 310th Machine Gun BattaHon. Early in the 
afternoon Company "B", of that outfit, with nine squads of Company "A" at- 
tached, "moved forward along the crowded road through Malancourt, passing 
by artillery, tanks and overflowing field hospitals and first-aid stations, and took 
position immediately in rear of the 314th Infantry."** Just prior to that, about 
12h, two more battalions of the 147th Field Artillery also passed through the 
traffic jam and took up advanced positions in support.*" 

Forward on the front line, where Colonel Knowles reported the 158th Pro- 
visional Brigade to Colonel Oury, the latter found that little use could be made 
of brigade facilities because of lack of organization.^' According to the com- 
mander of the 315th, his regiment was advancing in the brigade sector, with six 
companies on the right and six on the left, each wing organized in depth.'' Colonel 
Oury instructed Co'onel Knowles verbally to keep within supporting distance 
but not to push the regiment close until needed. '' At about the same time, the 
original brigade reserve, consisting of the First Battalion of the 314th Infantry, 
less one company, also came up to the P. C. at Chapelle des Malades. It, too, 
was organized in depth and held in the centre of the sector, with the view of sup- 
porting either flank as occasion required. '' It was apparent that strong resistance 
was developing north of the Bois de la Tuilerie, in the direction of Nantillois, so 
a reorganization was effected in the woods, and the 314th placed under command 
of Lieutenant Colonel McKenny with orders to attack Nantillois from the right 
flank and come in by the north of the town.*' For this purpose, one battal'on of 
the 314th Infantry was placed in the van, with the remaining battalions echeloned 
in depth in support. To fill the gap in the line, by the withdrawal of a battalion, 
the First Battalion of the 315th Infantry was called from reserve, taking over the 
left regimental sub-sector.*' 

The moment the advance began it was apparent that it was to meet terrific 
resistance, particularly from the Boche heavy artillery which swept the entire 
area with a decimating fire.*' Added to this, the men of the 314th and 315th 
Infantry were in a state bordering on exhaustion. They had received no supplies 
of any sort since the advance was begun on the morning of September 26 and had 
secured only a few hour's rest since the memorable "H" hour.*' They strove 
frequently to press forward for the objective, but high explosives, shrapnel and 
machine gun bullets were too much for them, unsupported as they were. When 
evening came the advance had been so slight that there was no prospect of any 
further attack by the Brigade being successful until the men could secure rest 
and rations. Therefore Colonel Oury called a halt to the offensive and ordered 
the men to dig in. The bivouac was about one-half kilometer north of the line 
of Montfaucon-Bois de la Tuilerie.*' 

Darkness also found the motorized 310th Machine Gun Battalion (less part 
of "A" Company) at its destination just across the Montfaucon-Septsarges road 
to the right of the Bois de la Tuilerie, where it occupied several former German 
trenches.** That night the 310th Machine Gun Battalion lost its first and only 
officer killed in action, First Lieutenant A. Brookes Lister, of Company "B", 
who was mortally wounded while reconnoitering. Sergeant Harold B. Searles, of 



118 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

the Sanitary Detachment of the BattaHon, won a Division commendation for his 
bravery in rescuing, at the risk of his hfe. Lieutenant Lister under hea\'y enemy 
fire and transporting him back through forests infested with snipers to a first aid 
station.*^ 

The afternoon attack on the left of the Seventy-ninth's Hne did not begin 
until 15h 30, being preceded, as requested, by an artillery barrage from 14h 30 
to 15h on the Bois de Beuge,^^ a woodland stronghold about one kilometer square, 
lying in the direct path of the 313th Infantry, its southern edge two kilometers 
north of Montfaucon and west by south of Nantillois. During the preparations 
the 313th had been reorganized for the advance and the First Battalion of the 316th 
prepared a defensive position in shell holes along the base of the northern slope of 
the town, with the 313th in the open ground in front of it.*^ When the 313th got 
underway, the remaining two battalions of the 316th also moved up until both 
were on the northern side of Montfaucon.*- Two platoons from "C" and "F" 
Companies, of the 316th, went forward to the assault with the 313th. First 
Lieutenant Hank Welling, of "F" Company, was severely wounded in the side 
during the first rush. Seeing him drop. Corporal Paul S. Runkle "immediately 
took command of the platoon and led and held it together in several rushes until 
relieved."*- He was relieved by no one else than the wounded lieutenant himself, 
who refused to be evacuated, but remained with his men "inspiring them by his 
courage and fortitude in spite of intense pain, it being necessary to carry him 
when a temporary withdrawal of the line was made."^^ 

The advance of the 313th was halted in the open fields north of Montfaucon, 
the Germans pouring in withering fire from machine guns and mortars ensconced 
in the Bois de Beuge, and the usual enfilading fire from the east. The light French 
tanks, several of which were the victims of direct hits, failed to continue with the 
assaulting columns. In the Third Battalion, Captain Lloyd, who had assumed 
command on the preceding day, was wounded and the battalion command de- 
volved upon Captain Effingham B. Morris, Jr., of "K" Company. Captain 
Morris was painfully wounded in the leg, but "persisted in remaining despite his 
severe wound," and retained command of the battalion during the balance of the 
operations.'^ Corporal George L. Brown, of "K" Company, distinguished him- 
self by crawling ahead of his platoon and locating a sniper who had wounded him 
and several others. Corporal Brown killed the sniper and remained in command 
of the platoon until ordered to the rear. Even then he insisted upon going back 
without assistance, although so weak he could hardly walk.'^ In Company "I", 
Sergeant William P. Reilly, commanding a platoon, was mortally wounded by 
high explosives, the company losing two other sergeants, two corporals and five 
privates wounded at about the same time from the same cause. Sergeant Theo- 
dore C. Krause and Corporal Charles W. Benson took command of Sergeant 
Reilly's platoon, assembling it and leading it forward through heavy fire.^' In 
the First Battalion, two men. Sergeant Howard Brown and Corporal Walter 
Ostrowski, both of "B" Company, volunteered to carry a message to battalion 
headquarters. Sergeant Brown made the trip in safety despite the heavy artillery 
fire, but Corporal Ostrowski received a wound which resulted in his death. ^' 
Another act of bravery was that of First Lieutenant Royal C. Johnson, of "D" 



IVIALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



119 



Company, who, when severely wounded by shell fire, "assisted two men of his 
company to the rear and refused to occupy space in the ambulance until these 
men had been provided for."^^ Equally gallant was the conduct of all of the 
medical officers attached to the 313th, one in particular, Captain Frank B. Wheel- 
ock, working even as a stretcher bearer "carrying patients to places of safety 
after giving them medical attention. "^^ 

During the progress of the attack Captain Frederick R. Drayton. Personnel 
Officer of the regiment, acting as an aide to the commanding officer, maintained 
"communication with the advanced lines and with the brigade and continually 
exposed himself to fire until serious y wounded."-" The enemy fire grew so se- 
vere that Colonel Sweezey, the supporting tanks gone and the men exhausted. 




"P. C." OF THE 313th Infantry at Montf.wcon on Sept. 27, 1918. 

ordered a halt in position for the night. ^' Shortly after that the "front line of 
the regiment came under artillery fire from the artillery of other divisions."-' A 
call was made for a volunteer to carry back a message recjuesting that the fire be 
stopped before damage was done. First Lieutenant Thomas G. Bradlee, of Head- 
quarters Company, responded and "returned through the artillery fire" with 
the necessary orders.^' During the attack Colonel Sweezey had moved his regi- 
mental P. C. forward to a shell hole on the top of the hill overlooking the entire 
country to the north. Wlien the German artillery proceeded to rain high ex- 
plosives all around it, however, it was considered prudent to withdraw from such 
an exposed position to the former P. C. near the cemetery.** The final position 
of the regiment on the night of September 27-28 was about a kilometer north of 



120 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Montfaucon although some elements were even further advanced to the edge of 
the Bois de Beuge.*' The 316th Infantry remained in the immediate rear of the 
313th along the roads to Cierges and Nantallois, which diverged at the northern 
approach to the town.*^ 

The condition of the infantry and machine gun battalions through want of 
proper rations and water, as darkness fell on September 27, was truly deplorable. 
The units of the 304th Supply and Ammunition Trains had been unable to get up 
any supplies owing to the road congestion.*' Company "G", of the Ammunition 
Train, with its 100 small burros, alone succeeded in getting through with food.^' 
The burro train, under Lieut. Col. Thomas W. Miller, Divison Ordnance 

r ■ ■ 1 



^,^M2'H''i'^ 











^i'^^-'rl 






^-^<.::.:^ 







The M.^in Road thru Montfaucon 

Officer and Captain Parker R. Skinner, arrived at Malancourt via Esnes during 
the height of the shelling, but the animals were absolutely undisturbed by 
the hostile fire, carrying out their natural inclination regardless of the shells 
bursting around them. The food supply so carried, however was limited 
and not enough for general distribution. It was forwarded to the regimental 
supply companies, but they, in turn, had difficulty in getting it to the men. For 
example, Captain John A. Hughes, Regimental Supply Officer of the 313th, came 
up with the trains on the evening of September 27, and was immediately shelled 
out of the orchard near Montfaucon.'* The men in the advance lines were still 
without water and had, in almost all instances, exhausted the rations they had 
carried in their packs at the opening of the drive. Fortunately for those in Mont- 
faucon, especially the wounded, a pure well was found.** 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



121 




122 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



The organization of the town by the captors had developed some interesting 
disclosures. The ruined houses in the town proper had been provided with arched, 
stone wine cellars from ten to twenty feet wide, fifteen to forty feet long, with 
five to sixteen feet of cover. In many instances these had been used as shelters by 
the Germans, especially as observation posts, reinforced machine gun nests and 
signal stations. In some cases the cellars had been connected by galleries to form 
continuous shelters. Deep dugouts were to be found everywhere, at least 100 of 
them in the immediate vicinity of the town, especially on the slope to the north 
and east and in the Bois de la Tuilerie. Along the bottom of the ratiher steep 
scarp to the north, the Germans had constructed two groups of about thrty build- 
ings, consisting of barracks, offices, officers' quarters and storerooms. Seventeen 




'Ml*. 










The Ruined Chhhch at Montfaucon. 

heavily reinforced observation posts' groups were distributed at various points in 
the town. Usually they were built up in the form of a concrete shaft inside of a 
ruined house, and had an eight inch slit at the top for observation. The shafts 
were usually from five to seven feet square. The biggest find, however, was "a 
heavily reinforced concrete observation tower and shelter built up on the inside 
of a large chateau on the extreme western slope of the hill, and commanding from 
its top the terrain from the heights of Verdun to Clermont at the edge of the Foret 
d'Argonne. A more favorable topographic situation could hardly be imagined, 
but realizing the fact that such a point would receive considerable attention from 
enemy artillery, the Germans built, with characteristic thoroughness, an observa- 
tion post and system of shelters which could defy any ordinary bombardment."^* 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



123 



A complete description of this post that the Crown Prince was reputed to have 
used during the attacks on Verdun in 1916, and which was used so effectively by 
the Americans subsequently against the very enemy which had built it, is as fol- 
lows :«' 

The chateau is a three-story barn-shaped building, constructed with 
the massive outside and inside masonry walls common to the older 
French architecture. The Germans have first laid a heavy course of 
reinforcing over the first floor, making the arched cellars excellent shelters 
with from 6 to 10 feet of masonry and a 30 inch stone as cover. In 
addition, a dugout was built under the road providing an additional 18 
feet of cover. From the basement a tower is built, reaching to a total 




Another View of the Chateau at Montfaucox. 

height of 35 feet. This tower is well protected, having for the most 
of its height three feet of concrete and two masonry walls on the side 
toward the enemy line. Where the protection of the outer wall ceased 
an additional concrete slab protected the upper I'-J feet of the tower. A 
four foot slab covered the top. A small chart room at the highest point 
by the opening she'tered the observer and his instruments. 

The si^ecial feature of the place, however, was a powerful reflecting 
telescopic periscope mounted on a gun carriage and put in place on the first 
floor with the tube running through the tower and out the roof. This 
instrument was so constructed that observation could be carried on 
either through selective eye pieces at the base of the tube on the first 
floor or by means of reflectors and prisms from the second or third floors. 
A large and very elaborate observation map was found mounted in the 
room scaled in nails and oriented with respect to the instrument so that to 
lay on any point on the map it was only necessary to get its milsdeflec- 



1:24 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



tion from the map, turn it off on the traversing scale of the tele- 
scope and bring it into focus from the eye piece. The instrument, when 
captured, was in serviceable condition, but before it could be reversed to 
bear on the enemy lines, some thoughtless souvenir hunter stole the eye 
pieces, rendering it useless. 

Word of the finding of the periscopic telescope was sent back to Division P. 
C, reaching the ear of General Kuhn shortly after 18h, at which time he had moved 
his P. C. from Haucourt to Ouvrage du Demon, 2,600 meters southeast of Mont- 
faucon, near the fork of the Malancourt-Montfaucon and Malancourt-Cuisy 
roads.''' The Division Commander had been having difficulties all day in secur- 
ing proper information regarding the front. The brigades and regiments had 
been in constant touch by telephone, but the aeroplane, the supposed "eye of the 
army," had been sadly missed. The French air squadron had been of no use 
whatever.*' The news that there was a good observation post on the very summit 




Crown Prince's Periscope — Montfaucon. 
A Concrete Tower erected within Walls of Chateau housed the periscope. This view was taken 
from within the Tower, looking out thru the port toward Sector 304. 

of Montfaucon was sent back by the Division Observers. The Observers con- 
sisted of ten men under Sgt. Thomas M. Rivel and included Privates 1st CI. Arthur 
S. Roberts and Arthur J. McCain. At 18h, also, the Division Commander ordered 
the 304th Sanitary Train, less the units already at the front and Field Hospitals 
314 and 315 at Clair Chene, to proceed to Malancourt. The movement started, 
but had to be postponed because of the darkness and road conditions which made 
travel impossible.*' Company "A", of the 304th Engineers, had been busy from 
noon on, repairing the Malancourt-Montfaucon road as it moved northward to- 
ward the latter place, and a large portion of the rest of the regiment was also seek- 
ing to put the road in better condition, three platoons of "C" Company con- 
structing a short cut for light traffic around the crossroads at Malancourt, and 
Companies "E" and "F" doing nothing but road repair work until midnight. 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 



US- 



With "B" Company building a water station and "D" Company striving to make 
the tank road adequate for heavy tanks, the entire regiment was well occupied.^* 
Despite the severity of the fighting, the fatalities among the enlisted per- 
sonnel on the second day were unusually light, as the following tables show: 

313th Infantry 

Company "A" 
Private Harry E. Barnhart 

Company "B" 
Corporal Henry J. C. Rechner 
Privates John B. Bean 

Frank Rivenburgh 

Joseph A. Roche 

David Rudolph 

Company "D" 
Private Victor S. Carlson 

Company "E" 
Mechanic Guy O. Brown 
Privates 1st cl Robert K. McKenzie 

Otto C. Phillips 
Privates Jacob Gersuk 
Jerry G. Picha 
Walter Wells 

Company "H" 
Private Emilio Mattia 

Company "I" 
Private 1st cl Zadoc M. Katz 

Company "L" 
Corporal John L. Hoffman 

Headquarters Company 
Private 1st cl Roland E. Todd 

Machine Gun Company 
Private Herbert A. Zittinger 




The Sighting Device and OrEUATiNG Mechan- 
ism OF Periscope resting on Sin. gun carriage 
IN hallway of first Floor. 

Sanitary Detachment 
Private William J. Deans 



314th Infantry 



Company "A" 
Sergeant George W. Hougham 
Private Clarence P. Ferguson 

Company "F" 
Sergeant Reginald E. Vought 
Privates Noble H. Gilbert 
Stanley L. Jones 
August C. Shuler 



Charles E. Shade 
Charles F. Weber 



Company "G" 
Corporal William W. Sipler 
Private Paul Zinder 

Company "H" 
Privates Paul Goman 

Joseph E. Haines 



126 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Company "I" 
Private Wayne R. Horton 

Company "K" 
Sergeant Thomas J. Fearn 
Corporal Phillip S. Sharp 



Company "L" 
Private Alexander Lmanian 

Company "M" 
Private 1st cl Louis Sofianos 
Privates Everett Hogoboom 
Joseph J. Miscannon 




The Engineers' Handywork on the Road to Montfaucon. 
311th Machine Gun Battalion 



Company "B" 
Sergeant Thomas J. Kennedy 
Private 1st cl John E. Davies 

Company "B" 
Corporal Henry E. P. Pritchard 
Private 1st cl Albert F. Pillieger 
Private Louis Lohmuller 

Company "D" 
Private 1st cl Charles R. Diehl 

Company "G" 
Private John Greenwood 

Company "K" 
Privates Giovanni Angelillo 
Bernard Aspell 



315th Infantry 

Private 1st cl Russell T. Delker 
Private Albert Commaker 

Company "M" 
Private Harry Hirsch 

Machine Gun Company 
Segeants Robert P. Black 
Howard Hoesle 
James W. McCartner 

Sanitary Detachment 
Private Anthony Saccomanno 



MALANCOURT AND MONTFAUCON 127 

816th Infantry 
Company "H" Headquarters Company 

Private William H. Haag Private John R. Rickenbach 

312th Machine Gun Battalion 
Company "A" 
Private Henry E. Michaelis 

Company "B" 
Privates Claude J. Brittingham 
Thomas H. Davies 



128 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




CHAPTER V 
THE MEUSE-ARGONNE— FIRST PHASE 

Nantillois and the Bois De Beuge 

THE Seventy-ninth Division had been given the deepest first day objective on 
the entire Meuse-Argonne front.' In fact, the ambitious program mapped 
out for this Division and the other two of the "V" Corps "required an 
abounding faith in their manhood, initiative and training upon the part of an 
audacious command."^ The Corps' objective, on the front of the Seventy-ninth 
Division, was a hne drawn from the coordinates 08. 2-80. "2 to 11.5-81.0, and which 
passed through the northern end of the Bois de Beuge on the west and the town of 
Nantillois on the east.' That the Seventy-ninth, on the night of September 27, 
was still two kilometers south of this objective was no reflection upon the Divi- 
sion. The high command had failed to take into consideration the strength of 
the German defenses. Up the Malancourt valley, with the flanking divisions 
clearing the woods on either side, "was supposed to be marching over a boule- 
vard."'' The terrific fighting of the first two days demonstrated clearly enough 
to G. H. Q. that there had been an error made somewhere in determining the 
enemy resisting power. That error seems to have been committed elsewhere on 
the extended battle front as well. Only on the extreme right had it been possible, 
in the first two days of the drive, to reach the given objectives.^ The fact that in 
two days the greater part of the line had not reached the objectives the Army 
command had originally set for the first day, did not mean that the offensive was 
failing. What it did mean was, that it would take longer to break through to the 
Carignan-Mezieres railroad than the optimistic time schedule prepared in advance 
of the drive. That the Meuse-Argonne was a gigantic success was made possible 
only through the determination of the Seventy-ninth and other American divi- 
sions which kept hammering away, absolutely undeterred by the delays in the 
original program. 

On the night of September 27-28, with the front line of the Seventy-ninth 
Division just north of Montfaucon, Major General Kuhn decided it was time to 
relieve the 313th and 314th Infantry and place the subsequent assaults in the 
hands of the two regiments following in reserve. The 313th and 314th had ac- 
complished a herculean task and it had become necessary "to afford these regi- 
ments a chance to obtain food and water, which they had not received since Sep- 
tember 26th, and to obtain some slight rest after their exertions."* When the 
troops dug in after dark on September 27, the Division P. C. was in better liaison 
with all elements than it had been during any of the previous hours of the first 

(129) 



130 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



two days. Consequently, it was possible to give more than verbal orders in ar- 
ranging the plan of attack for September 28. Just before midnight, therefore. 
Field Order No. 8, 79th Division, was completed and copies were despatched at 
23h 30 to the Corps, the Fourth Di\'ision, the two provisional infantry brigades, 
the 57th Artillery Brigade, the commander of the French tank battalions, the 
Chief of Staff, and the three "G's." There were only fourteen copies printed and, 
after General Kuhn retained his, there remained one for the Division War Diary 
and two for the file.'' The Field Order, after pointing out that the enemy held the 
line Bois de Beuge-Nantillois and that the Fourth Division and Thirty-seventh 
Division, on the flanks, were both somewhat north of the Seventy-ninth, provided: 




Oblique Areoplane View of Nantillois — Captured by the 79th Division, Sept. 28, 1918. 

"Maintaining the strictest and closest of combat liaison, the 79th 
Division advances to the attack from its present position at H hour 
tomorrow morning, which will be 7 H, 28th September, 1918. Dur- 
ing the night 27-28 September, 1918, the front line units of the 313th and 
314th Inf. Regiments will be relieved by the units of the 316th and 315th 
Inf. Regiments respectively, arrangements of the relief being made under 
direction of brigade commanders after conference between regimental 
commanders concerned. 

"The troops will form up for the attack in such manner and at such 
time in order to launch same with the greatest vigor and with the least 
lapse of time upon the cessation of the artillery preparation. 

"The greatest echelonment in depth, consistent with a pushing, 
driving attack will be made." 

Then followed further details arranging for liaison combat groups, an ar- 
tillery preparation fire of "not less than one hour's duration"' to lift at H hour, 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 



131 




132 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



necessary fire during the advance by accompanying batteries, and the formation 
of the units withdrawn from the line into a Division Reserve to follow the advance 
at 1,000 meters.' 

General Nicholson, of the 157th Provisional Brigade, issued the order for the 
relief of the SlSth Infantry by the 316th immediately after the receipt of Field 
Order No. 8, the 313th being notified at 2h, September 28,^ and the 316th at 2h 
30.' Colonel Oury, commanding the 158th Provisional Brigade, however, had not 
received any instructions at 2h and despatched a brigade adjutant to Division 
Headquarters, who returned shortly afterwards with the Field Order.'" In both 
brigades the relief was carried out successfully during the murky hours preceding 




German Dugouts at Cuisy Cutoff (Ouvbage Demon) — 600 Meters south of Moxtfaucon 
Occupied as P. C. 79th Division Sept. 28-30, 1918. 

a misty dawn, the final movements being rendered exceedingly dangerous by 
heavy hostile artillery fire which opened on the lines at 5h" to continue without 
respite for the entire day. The 315th Infantry was in formation with the Third 
Battahon on the east and the First Battalion on the west, the Second Battalion, 
in support, following in the centre.'- In the brigade sector on the left, the 316th 
Infantry had the Third Battalion on the right and the First Battalion on the left 
with the Second Battalion in support.' 

The fury of the German artillery fire found no proportionate answer from the 
American guns. The hour of preparation fire was exceedingly weak, coming as 
it did from only four batteries of 75's, the only units of the 57th Artillery Brigade 
which had so far been able to get to the front through the traffic jam. While the 
315th, on the east, waited for the American barrage, not recognizing it in the 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 133 

feeble fire then in progress,^^ First Lieutenant Seth C. Hetherington, of "D" Com- 
pany, was killed by an enemy shell." At 7h, as an indication of how the 315th 
looked for more artillery support than was then being given it, Colonel Knowles 
sent the following message to the Advance Division P. C, 600 meters south of 
Montf aucon :" 

"Have Art. pound 10.2-80.2, 13.1-80.5, 12.6-81.5 and line 10.0-82.3 
to 11.0-82.6. These hostile positions form a cup into which we cannot 
advance without serious losses. Some guns to be directed on Nantillois. 
Art. must get busy fast if they are to assist Inf. Tanks circled right of 
Nantillois last night going 500 meters north that town. No tanks now as- 
sisting on our front. We are in touch with 4th Div. on right. Our 
disposition 10.6-78.6 to 12.3-79.2 Please rush artillery fire." 

Finally, at 7h 30, when the American artillery fire grew fainter, it was realized 
that there was to be no more support from that quarter, and the attack began. '^ 
Despite no covering barrage, the 315th made good progress over an area which 
was swept by enfilading artillery fire and by German aviators who flew low and 
poured machine gun volleys upon the assault squads.* The leading companies 
reached the crest of a ridge south of Nantillois and al)out 200 meters ahead of the 
jump off line, and from that point on experienced terrible raking fire from snipers 
and machine gunners in the Bois de Beuge and Bois de Septsarges. Coupled with 
that, the German heavies laid down a terrific barrage over the entire slope leading 
into Nantillois.'^ The men kept on in short rushes. Lieutenant John T. Ford, 
leading the advance platoon of "L" Company, was wounded in the leg by a frag- 
naent of high explosive but, before retiring, managed to gather a number of the leSs 
seriously wounded of his men around him and guide them to a first-aid station.'* 
Corporal Louis A. Berkowitz, of the same company, advanced recklessly across 
the open ground to give first aid to a wounded comrade and coolly applied the 
dressing, only to be killed by shell fire as he rejoined his squad." Sergeant Patrick 
Dolan, also of "L" Company, who had gone sleepless for twenty-four hours while 
his squad held a perilous outpost position on the night of September 27-28, was 
severely wounded as the Third Battalion came down from the crest toward Nan- 
tillois.'^ In the First Battalion, First Lieutenant Alfred L. Quintard, of "A" 
Company, was mortally wounded, and in "B" Company Captain John V. Bo.st- 
wick and First Lieutenant Benjamin H. Pollock were seriously wounded. Despite 
all opposition, the advance moved on until, at lOh 50, the leading battalions 
swarmed into the ruins of Nantillois.' "L" Company, on the extreme right, 
capturing a Gennan battery of six 77mni guns on the outskirts of the village where 
the roads forked.'^ "B" Company entered through the centre and "D" Com- 
pany on the left. The shock companies "had each lost a third of their men killed 
or wounded and the other companies of the advance battalions had sustained 
losses almost as heavy. "'^ Wliile the support companies "mopped up" the town, 
and there were many German snipers and machine guns concealed therein, the 
advance was pushed on through to Hill 274, which lay just a kilometer further 
north, and here, about 13h, a halt was called and the battalions reorganized." 
It was here, during these trying days of severe fighting, that Major Stuart 
S. Janney, later Lieut. Colonel, was commended for his conspicuous gallantry by 
the Brigade Commander, Colonel Oury, and subsequently cited by General Kuhn 



134 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

It was through Major Janney's efforts and assistance that Colonel Oury was 
enabled to maintain his lines and his communications under terrific artillery and 
machine gun fire. 

The news of the capture of the town had been relayed by runner to Colonel Oury, 
who, at nil 25, sent the following message to General Kuhn:" 

"Nantillois reported taken. 316th Inf. has entered and is working 
through Bois de Beuge. Col. Knowles requests ambulances, stretchers 
and doctors." 

The above message makes mention of the progress of the 316th Infantry. 
That regiment had gotten away to the attack promptly at 7h, maintaining liaison 
with the 315th on the east as it moved forward over ground similar in contour. 
It had no artillery support. Colonel Charles, seeking to secure a barrage from 
the 75's, took the matter up with the artillery liaison officer with the 157th Bri- 
gade. The latter, at 8h 18, notified G-2 that "Colonel is complaining that he has 
no liaison with light artillery and asks me to state this to brigade."" The 316th's 
commander, in his first message to the Division P. C, again requested artillery 
support as follows:" 

"Relief of Incite effected and attack launched at 7 hour. Heavy ar. 
resistance encountered from Bois de Beuge and Wood 268. Have asked 
for shelling of Wood 268, Bois de Beuge. Request wire connection with 
Brig. (Italy). Place from which message was sent 11.5-78.2, foothill east 
of Montfaucon." 

In front of the 316th lay the same open valley, the Bois de Beuge ahead being 
a hill crowned with woods and organized with a defense of machine guns, minnen- 
werfers and Austrian 88's. The advancing lines ran into this hail of fire and 
seemed to melt away. A vivid portrayal of what happened came from a par- 
ticipant :^' 

"The lines dropped; automatics opened a spluttering reply; here 
and there a group rushed, dropped and crawled cautiously; the lines 
crept on — forward; delayed, harassed, terribly punished — but on their 
dead behind them, their tortured wounded moaning to the winds that 
most heart-breaking cry of the battle-field: "First aid, this w\ay; first 
aid, this way." German artillery, some of it from beyond the distant 
Meuse, dropped a hail of shrapnel and high explosives; machine guns 
spewed the ground with a deadly shower — the Regiment crawled on." 

It was heart-rending; it was magnificent. The whole horror of it was borne 
to those at regimental headquarters who received at 8h 30 this message from 
Major J. Baird Atwood, commanding the Third Battalion: 

"Being fired at point blank by field pieces. For God's sake get 
artillery or we'll be annihilated." 

All efforts to secure the necessary barrage were unavailing. Liaison had been 
lost with the artillery — the telephone lines had "gone out." Not for two mortal 
hours after receipt of that first message from the battalion commander was contact 
reestablished. In the meanwhile, on went the 316th, its casualties mounting by 
great leaps and bounds. About 500 meters north of Montfaucon, Corporal George 
D. Livelsberger, of "C" Company, took command of a platoon which had suffered 
severe losses, led it around to the left flank of an enemy spur trench and charged 
the machine gunners nested there. These particular guns had been holding up 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 135 

the entire battalion advance. The corporal and his men took them in a brief, 
fierce struggle and cleared the path for the continuance of the attack. '^ Major 
Atwood, at 8h 51, messaged back, "Our troops now entering southern edge of 
Bois de Beuge," and at 9h he was killed. With his death the command devolved 
upon Captain John McI. Somers, of "j\I" Company. '^ His orders were to keep 
on. The 316th was badly disorganized, but it was still advancing. That it main- 
tained its advance was remarkable. It was an untried regiment, and it had gone for 
two days with scarcely any food or water. In addition to that it saw officers and 
men being shot down on all sides, had lost contact even between platoons, and yet 
pressed forward. One company lost all its oflScers; another lost all but one. 
Company "L", of the Third Battalion, virtually alone, passed through the Bois 
de Beuge ahead of the general line and withered under a flanking fire, Captain 
Charles E. Loane, Jr., and Lieutenant Clarence W. Renshawe being wounded and 
Lieutenant Albert C. Wunderlich instantly killed. In the fighting leading up to 
the conquest of this woodland stronghold, Company "K" lost two officers wounded, 
First Lieutenants Charles M. Sincell and Robert P. Stout, and Company "I" lost 
one. First Lieutenant Charles E. McKillips. Nor had the First Battalion escaped 
with less suffering. Fst. Lt. John H. Fox, of Co. "D", had been killed by machine 
gunners when he was reconnoitering in front of his Company in an exposed posi- 
tion. Captain Percy F. Burrage, of "D" Company, was killed and First Lieu- 
tenant Earle P. Burdick wounded. Captain Robert L. Fatzinger and Lieuten- 
ants John Sheridan and Daniel J. Dougherty, of " C " Company, were both wounded, 
as were Lieutenants Burrlie M. Odom, Arlington B. Evans and Phillipus Miller, 
of "A" Company, and Lieutenants Norman L. Botsford and Charles J. Hurley, 
Jr., of "B" Company. In "G" Company, still assigned to the First Battalion, 
First Lieutenant James M. Hamilton was wounded." 

Still they advanced! A flash of what was happening on that front came 
back by runner to the Division P. C. in a message sent at lOh 15 by Colonel Char- 
les:" 

"Estimated casualties so far: Officers 17 — men 250." 

"At nil 05, General Kuhn sent an encouraging answer:"" 

"Am arranging to send forward company of big tanks to assist you in 
capture of Bois de Beuge. Suggest they be employed on your right flank. 
Imperative that infantry closely follow the tanks otherwise no results will 
follow. Organize the assault and give necessary instructions to insure 
co-operation between infantry and tanks. Maintain liaison with Colonel 
Oury's P. C. by frequent courier service if not possible by wire." 

When the message reached the 316th, the Bois de Beuge was already cap- 
tured and the advancing companies were out in the open sweeping across another 
machine-gun swept plateau toward the Bois 268, a kilometer ahead. Far to the 
north-east, over Cote Lemont, a captive German balloon had risen, floating si- 
lently in the air as its observers directed the artiUery fire upon the country through 
which the 316tli was advancing. ° The advance slowed up, but did not stop. 
Colonel Oury sent First Lieutenant Clifton Lisle forward to find Colonel Charles 
and report the exact progress. At 12h 15, Lieutenant Lisle made his first report 
directly to General Kuhn by telephone." 



136 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 





iSOMLi^ 



Ww^m'm 



^iOSiL.v 





NANTILLIOS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 137 

"Verbal orders came through this morning for me to find Col. Charles 
and go forward. Found Col. Charles at llh 15. He was then moving for- 
ward. He was at point 11.4-78.8. At that time they were under heavy 
shrapnel fire. He was going forward." 

After that came nothing from Lieutenant Lisle until loh 35, when he sent the 
following message to General Nicholson:" 

"Invent 's P. C. is now at 69.5-79.8. The tanks are with us. At loh 
15 three large tanks were ordered to woods at 09.5-81 .4. Artillery support 
throughout the day entirely inadequate. Lack of telephone wire has re- 
duced communication to runners. Troops now without food or water. 
Front line now approximately in woods at 09.5-81.4." 

At 16h 35, he again communicated as follows:'* 

"Our barrage is falling too short. Wien last reported it was falling 
on 10.2-81.7. in Bn., Com. "K" and one half Co. "I", at 10.2-81.0. 
The I Bn is on a line with the III Bn. The II Bn is not yet sure." 

The 316th was even further advanced than Lieutenant Lisle thought. Com- 
pany "D" of the First Battalion, now under Second Lieutenant Howard A. W. 
Kates, was so much ahead of the troops on the right and left that the infilading 
fire was sweeping his ranks viciously. He halted and protected his flanks until 
the other companies came up and,"* at 13h, the First Battalion was in Bois 268." 
Similarly, at 13h 42, Captain Somers, of the Third Battalion, reported his line at 
10.2-81.8 "with right on the Nantillois-Cunel road."" A platoon of "G" Com- 
pany, the most advanced of all, had crossed the open land north of Bois 268 and 
was entrenched in Bois 250, two kilometers northwest of Nantillois.'^ Colonel 
Charles established his P. C. on the southern edge of Bois 268, where it was main- 
tained until the regiment was withdrawn. 

At 13h 30, the heavy Brownings, of Company "C", 312th Machine Gun 
Battalion, which had been following in support, were advanced sufficiently to 
open fire,-" the first and third platoons covering the Third Battalion, 316th, and 
the second platoon advancing to the northern slope of a hill a kilometer behind the 
same Battalion. Here it engaged in direct machine gun fire; a German nest along 
the railroad to the north was the objective.-' The retaliatory fire of the enemy 
inflicted severe casualties. Battalion Sergeant Major Earl B. Lyles was instantly 
killed. Privates 1st cl William J. Compher and William A. Eopolucci mortally 
wounded, and Lieutenant Wright Duryea seriously wounded. Private 1st cl 
Hugh O. Williams dressed the wounds of Lieutenant Duryea, while under direct 
machine gun and shell fire, and assisted the injured officer to the rear.-- Private 
1st cl William N. Brazel, under the same fire, deliberately disassembled a Brown- 
ing gun which had been jammed by a flying piece of shrapnel, extracted the shrap- 
nel, reassembled the gun, and added it to the weapons then firing a barrage on an 
enemy strongpoint.-- After the hostile machine gunners had fled Private Brazel 
assisted in carrying Privates Compher and Eopolucci to the first aid station where 
they died shortly afterwards.-^ A reconnoitering party from Company "C" 
found that the enemy had abandoned one heavy and three light machine guns and 
seven rifles in their flight.-' Shortly afterwards, the heavy Brownings located 



138 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



a retreating body of German troops about 1200 meters to the north, causing them 
to scatter and preventing them from manning a piece of artillery. Later, the Ger- 
mans removed the field piece, but that night the bodies of four Germans, two 
dead horses and an abandoned limber were found on the spot.^"^ 

At this time a section of Machine Guns, commanded by Sergeant William A. 
Rodruan of the Machine Gun Company of the 316th Infantry, firing from the 
northern edge of Bois 268, scattered a company of German infantry marching in 
column of squads at 1000 meters, inflicting hea^^ casualties. This entire Machine 
Gun company occupied the northern edge of Bois 268, harrassing the opposite 
enemy lines, preventing the placing of machine guns and minnenwerfers. However, 
on account of low ammimition supply the fire had to be slackened. This Company 
placed its guns protecting the front line after nightfall. 

The one pounder platoon of Headquarters company secured good targets and 
fired with telling effect on the opposite lines. 

In the middle of the afternoon the 316th was reorganized in Bois 268,^' and 
there, at 17h, it was found by Captain Harry A. Rapelye, of the Division Staff, 
who was sent forward to reconnoiter. At that hour he notified the Division P. C. :'* 

"Have located 313th, 314th and 316th together with part of tanks, 
with a company of 311th Machine Gun and 312th Machine Gun in ■woods 
W.of Nantillois. Theyare held up by our artillery patrols report. Request 
order. Best field of fire can be gotten from forward slope of Hill 268." 

With the enemy shelling continuing without abatement, the orders were 
finally given for the regiment to dig in for the night. A runner reached the pla- 
toon of "G" Company, in the next woods ahead, with instructions to fall back to 
the regimental line after darkness,^^ and the Brownings of Companies "B" and 
"C", 312th Machine Gun Battalion, were placed in position as cover in case of 
counter-attack.^^ A desperate effort to get food to the men resulted in Lieuten- 
ant Romaine Shephard, of the Regimental Supply Train, being mortally wounded. 
The killed that day among the enlisted men of the 316th were as foOows: 



Company "B" 
Sergeant Hans Hellman 
Bugler Raymond L. Beard 
Private 1st cl George W. Dunmire 
Privates Edgar H. Denson 
Joseph Ochuito 

Company "C" 
Private 1st cl William J. Swoboda 
Privates John Bayliff 

Thomas Dooney 

Vincent Martini 

Company "D" 
Private Irwin B. Gibble 

Company "G" 
Sergeant Harry C. Stover 



Corporals Clark R. McWilliams 
Fred S. Schantz 
Charles P. Scheifer 
Privates 1st cl Abe Bellmore 

William A. Potter 
Privates Horace Lyman 

Joseph P. McNulty 
Thomas W. Morrison 
Michael Petronchak 
George Phillips 
Petro Polito 
Allen Rosenberry 
Harry Zucker 

Company "H" 
Privates John Kilgus 

Leo E. Malett 
Michael Peifer 



NAMTILLVIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 



139 




140 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Company "I" 
Private Louis Gold Company "M" 

Private 1st cl Leonard J. Daily 
Company "K" 
Sergeant William T. Meiskey Headquarters Company 

Privates 1st cl Jonathan P. Clauser Sergeants Elmer T. Bomboy 
Elmer S. Showalter Harry T. Morrow 

Privates George E. Irvin Private 1st cl John Zinkand 

John J. Mahoney Privates Carrington E. Bailey 

William H. Jones 
Company " L " William A. O 'Neil 

Corporal Edwin D. Miller John E. Roberts 

Private John Riester, Jr. 

So much for the left of the front line on September 28. On the right, the 
315th Infantry, being reorganized under the crest of Hill 274 for a further assault, 
notified the Division P. C. at 13h 45 that it wanted no artillery fire "this side of 
83,"^^ 83 being the parallel running through the Bois des Ogons and a kilometer 
and one-half north of the reorganizing line. General Kuhn forwarded this in- 
formation to the "V" Corps at 14h 26, the message reading;" 

"Request no artillery fire be placed south of 83.0, and if fire has started 
below this line that it be stopped at once. Our troops approaching edge 
of Bois de Ogons." 

The 315th then launched forth in another assault, two large tanks and four 
small ones, all French manned, participating.* The objective was the Madeleine 
Farm in the heart of the Bois des Ogons. For a covering fire this attack had s 
lone battery of artillery and a direct overhead barrage by Company "A", 312th 
Machine Gun Battalion, in which a private, Hagop Mushekin, was killed by shell 
fire. The artillery fire and barrage had lasted from 16h to 16h 30, after which 
the infantry waves and the tanks went out into a raging inferno of machine gun 
and artillery fire." The same captive balloon over Cote Lemont was directing 
the Boche gunners in firing against the 315th. Heavies from east of the Meuse, 
lighter field pieces from the Madeleine Farm, and machine guns from the Bois des 
Ogons swept the area through which the advance was being made. The two 
heavy tanks were bowled out by direct hits." Three of the small tanks withdrew, 
their drivers wounded.* The regiment was being withered away even as the 316th 
had been in the Bois de Beuge. The advance companies reached the edge of the 
Bois des Ogons and the machine gun fire grew heavier. Sergeant Harry Polinsky, 
of "L" Company, cutting through a band of intensive machine gun fire, led his 
men forward in a heroic rush that won for him a citation in Division orders. Ser- 
geant George C. Bewley, leading a platoon of " K " Company, was severely wounded 
in another brave rush forward. ^° Lieutenant William D. Dodson, of "I" Company, 
was gassed, tagged for the rear and returned to his company. ^^ First Lieutenant 
Benjamin Bullock, Third Battalion Adjutant, "displayed great bravery and fear- 
lessness by assisting two wounded men to a place of safety while under heavy 
sniper and artillery fire."^^ Sergeant George N. Churchill, of the Medical De- 
tachment, "went from shell hole to shell hole and in the open, with shells bursting 
all around him, giving first aid to the wounded and carrying several wounded men 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 141 

to shell holes. "^^ Despite the magnificent heroism on all sides, it was evident that 
it would be impossible to hold the Bois des Ogons in face of the murderous deluge 
of high explosives which poured forth from the German batteries, located in the 
woodlands to the north and on the heights east of the Meuse, until such time as it 
was possible to secure at least a small measure of support from the Divisional 
and Corps artillery. Under these circumstances, the leading battalions of the 315th 
Infantry were ordered to consolidate their lines, temporarily, on the reverse slope 
of Hill 274, which rose within a few hundred meters of the southern edge of the 
Bois des Ogons. 

\Miile the First and Third Battalions were reorganizing their shattered ranks, 
preparatory to another thrust into the Bois des Ogons, the Second Battalion, 
took up position immediately behind them, and the regimental P. C. was moved 
forward to the southern edge of Nantillois.^^ 

From here, at 16h 40, Colonel Knowles sent the following message.''' 

"Men of 315th Inf. must have food. Too weak for further advance 
without food." 

But there was no food to give them. The supply trains were still below Mont- 
faucon, and the men of the regiment, who had received neither rations nor water 
for three days, were destined to carry on for many more heart-breaking hours 
without being able to satisfy either hunger or thirst. Meanwhile, massed in the lee 
of Hill 274, under orders to await a covering artillery fire on the Bois des Ogons, 
the depleted battalions of the 315th grimly gathered themselves together, and 
filled in as best they could the yawning gaps and rents left in their lines by the 
first attack. Finally, as the afternoon wore on and it became evident that no 
further aid could be expected from the artillery, the regiment, at 18h, hurled 
itself for a second time against the Bois des Ogons, and the Madeleine Farm. The 
diary of a non-com in "B" Company gives a thrilling description of it:" 

"The Germans seemed to be preparing for a counter attack here. They 
were pouring a heavy machine gun and rifle fire on us. Major Patterson 
ordered our company to form in line of skirmishers and go over after them. 
We formed our line, first and second platoons in front and the fourth 
platoon in support. A shell landed just in front of where I was standing, 
killing Buckwald and wounding Lieutenant Conahan and another officer. 
I was thrown about ten feet but fortunatlely was not injured. Lieutenant 
Bagans jumped out in front of the company and led us on the run for the 
woods. How manj' of us got there is more than I can tell. Bullets pelted 
around us like hail. With "L" and "D" Companies we managed to 
get to the edge of the woods. We had to fight for every inch of ground. 
We saw some wooden shacks about 200 yards in the woods and these we 
bombed with grenades. We captured several machine gun nests and took 
eleven prisoners. We worked our way into the woods and finally captured the 
shacks. These turned out to be officers 'quarters and artillery chart rooms. 
We got some valuable maps and papers there. We discovered a large 
building about 100 yards further in the woods with a Red Cross flag flying 
over it. At first we thought it was a hospital, but we found out later that 
it was a regular fort. They had a machine gun in every window. Lieuten- 
ant Bagans had about decided to investigate it. We would all have been 
killed. The woods were full of machine guns and snipers and several of 



142 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 





NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 



143 



our men got hit. We were making good progress when we were ordered out. 
Word had been received that the Germans were going to set the woods on 
fire, so we had to give it up. We got out just in time for the Germans 
started a terrific bombardment and almost leveled the woods. We 
got back to the hill under heavy shell fire and were ordered to dig in." 

This extract fairly well depicts the experience of all who reached the woods 
and emerged alive. The withdrawal to Hill 274 was the only thing that could 
be done, and upon the southern slope of what afterwards became known as "Sui- 
cide Hill" the men dug in for the night.'^ Major Fred W. McL. Patterson, of 
the First Battalion, had been seriously wounded, but had refused to relinquish 
command at so critical a period,^ and Captain Charles H. Tilghman, of Com- 
pany "C", had been wounded in the head by a piece of high explosive which had 
fractured his skull and rendered one eye useless, but also had refused to be evacu- 
ated during the night.^^ Lieutenant George N. Althouse, of Company "H," 
had been mortally wounded by machine gun bullets.^^ The following enlisted 
men had been killed during the day: 



Company "A" 
Privates Anthony Koinski 
Ernest Livingston 
Joseph Rice 

Company "B" 
Corporal Ronald N. McCaughey 
Private 1st cl Frederick Buchwald 
Privates Walter Durieu 

Samuel Doris 

Jacob Erlich 

Ceslaw Stepulkowsky 

Company "D" 
Mechanic Thomas Moore 
Privates 1st cl John J. Curran 
Michael Kenny 
Private Richard A. Sullivan 

Company "E" 
Private Richard J. Rorke 

Company "F" 
Sergeant Nelson M. Herron 
Privates Carl J. Albrecht 

David Schlossberg 

Company "H" 
Private 1st cl Edward C. Moran 
Private Walter Atwood 

The situation at the front, as darkness drew nigh, was described by Colonel 
Oury, of the 157th Brigade, in a message sent at 17h 20 to General Kuhn:" 

"Invade holds secoiid ridge north of Nantillois, 10.3-81.7, 10.8-81.9. 
Strong machine gun nests in woods in their front. These woods were 



Company "I" 
Sergeant Samuel J. Trotta 
Private 1st cl John A. Barron 

Company "K" 
Privates Thomas W. Astbury 
John G. Boss 

Company "L" 
Sergeant Harry Polinsky 
Corporal Louis R. Berkowitz 
Private 1st cl Walter R. Shoultz 
Privates Harry T. Boyle 

Joseph T. Girmscheid 
William F. Scheidemann 
William Schwind 

Company "M" 
Corporal John H. Castor 

Headquarters Company 
Private 1st cl John A. Eisele 

Machine Gun Company 
Private 1st cl John A. Millard 
Private John W. Trost 



[44 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



attacked with four companies and tanks, were entered, but attack was 
repulsed by machine gun fire. Invade now dug in for the night. Front 
line machine gun commander reports two hostile field pieces flanked 
by machine guns in Bois de Cunel along ridge. Instruct supports Invade 
holding first ridge north of Nantillois, 10.2-81.3-11.1-81.3. Request 
artillery along the following line: 10.3-8'2.7, 10.5-82.6, 11.0-82.6, front 
of Invade and counter-battery work in Bois de Cunel. Invent observed 
entering wood 268 and halted in line with our front line. Patrols of 
right supporting division observed on right flank abreast or a little in 
advance of our front line. Italy has been instructed to organize in 
depth and dig in." 

This was supplemented by a message at 18h 40 from Colonel Knowles, who 
stated :" 




Road just ovtside of Xantii.lchs — Ax Artillery Train caught here in a banage was 

ALMOST ENTIRELY ^IPED OUT. 

"I have suffered heavily from our own artillery firing short at 4-4.30 
p. m. with 75 's. 4th Division has reached enemy 3rd position and are 
entrenching. My front line well over to the right out of my sector." 

As a matter of fact, the American artillery had not been firing short, but the 
German guns, east of the Meuse, with a direct range, had placed their shells with 
such precision as to give this impression. Many of the men of the 31oth, in con- 
sequence, believe to this day that they were shelled by their own guns. 

The two regiments in reserve, the 313th and 314th, had also suffered severely 
throughout the day from German shelling, and their advance had also been punc- 
tuated by encounters with machine gun nests passed in the first rush. One of 
these nests, which was found in the path of the 314th, was silenced by Sergeant 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 



145 



Frank A. Ross, of "I" Company .^^ Many acts of heroism occurred in the face 
of the artillery bombardment. Sergeant Sidney M. Painter, Company "K", 
314th, having been mortally wounded, "beckoned for the second in command of 
the platoon, advising him of his condition, giving him all his orders and telling 
him to take charge of the platoon. "-° Corporal Earl A. Adams, of Company "L", 
although badly gassed, refused to be evacuated, tearing off his tag at the dressing 
station and returning to his company.^* Privates Thomas B. Simmons and John 
J. Quinn, of the Medical Detachment, both did meritorious work in treating the 
wounded under shell fire,^* as did Sergeant Harry E. Snook, of "F" Company, 
313th, who discovered eight wounded men of his company and spent the night 
with them in the woods, relieving their misery by first-aid treatnient during the 
entire period of the enemy bombardment.-' Particularly heroic was tlie conduct 
of Captain Walter F. Bourcjue, a medical officer attached to the 311th Machine 
Gun Battalion, who "was placed in command of a first aid station only 100 meters 
in the rear of the most advanced line. The station was tactically untenable. 




BocHE Pill Box near Montfaucon 

Despite the extraordinary hazard of the position, Captain Bourqiie remained at 
his post with utmost courage and unconcern, devoting himself single-mindedly to 
the relief of the wounded."^* 

The 311th Machine Gun Battalion remained in support of the 313th Infantry on 
September 28, Company "A," however, being placed in reserve. None of the com- 
panies had an opportunity to fire, although several times their guns were placed in 
position to repulse expected counter-attacks which did not materialize. ^^ Neither 
had the 310th Machine Gun Battalion been called into action. The remaining 
sections of "A" Company arrived at the Fayel Farm early in the morning, being 
joined by the sections previously sent forward with "B" Company, and both 
units remained in their respective locations until evening, when they moved short 
distances toward the rear and bivouacked.'^" 

Practically all the casualties in the support regiments and machine gun 
battalions that day were caused by shell fire. Two oflBcers were killed in the 313th, 



146 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



First Lieutenant Thomas Kriebel and Second Lieutenant George M. Baker, both 
of Company "L"; the following enlisted men were killed or died of wounds 
in the various units: 



Company "A" 
Privates Earl B. Howard 

William P. Johnson 
William Leddin 
Harry A. Schleuter 

Company "B" 
Private George S. Price 

Company "C" 
Corporal Raymond C. Noxter 
Private Howard H. Gilbert 

Company "E" . 
Privates Robert L. R. Cole 

Edward H. Couchman 
Howard M. Fisher 
Michael J. Moxwell 



313th Infantry 

Company "G" 
Private Max E. Lehman 

Company "L" 
Sergeant Walter J. Rogers 
Corporals Henry Alt, Jr. 

Wilbur E. Graham 
Joseph L. Hibbitts 

Headquarters Company 
Privates Robert M. Armstrong 
Austin L. Grove 
Herman F. Handy 

Machine Gun Company 
Private Clinton A. Hose 



314th Infantry 

Privates Stanley Gustave 

Daniel L. McManamon 
Emery J. Pelkey 

Company "L" 
Private William G. Ruth 

Company "M" 
Privates Gabriel L. Adams 
Anthony Vottero 

Headquarters Company 
Private Robert J. Muir 

Machine Gun Company 
Corporal Charles C. Cotner 
Private 1st cl Mac C. Merrifield 



Company "B" 
Private James E. Keegan 

Company "E" 
Private Sam Shachtmaister 

Company "G" 
Privates Demetrius Dionne 
Sampson D. Dodrill 
George J. Druding 

Company "I" 
Privates Theodore Brunett 
Lewis E. Shaffer 

Company "K" 
Sergeant Sidney M. Painter 
Corporals Earl B. Mohr 

James J. Mullen 

311th Machine Gun Battalion 
Company "B" 
Sergeant Edwards Rinus 
Private 1st cl Eugene F. Riley 
Private Frank T. Kowalchek 

Efforts to get rations to the front lines had been carried on all during the day, 
but without much success. The 304th Supply Train managed for the first time 
to get a single truck convoy through with food, delivering it to the four infantry 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 147 

regiments and the machine gun battalions, all of whose Supply Companies were 
parked along the Malancourt-Montfaucon road.'' The regimental supply trains 
sought to pass through or around Montfaucon, and did reach the northern side of 
the town despite the hea^'J' shelling. To reach the advance lines, however, even 
with carrying details, was almost an impossibility, and of the food and water 
meant for the assault battalions the men "got little or none of either."'' 

The 304th Ammunition Train, during September 28, had the same continual 
battle against traffic that the Supply Train had. At 14h Major Thomas W. Miller, 
the Division Ordnance Officer, then at the Ammunition Dump, notified 
General Kuhn that two convoys were somewhere on the way and that one of 
them was past Malancourt. The message read:" 

"There are 13 truck-loads of cal. 30 (432,000 rds) 37 mm. (2000) 
grenades OF OFL and pyrotechnics, I have had on road from Avocourt 
since Thursday afternoon. They are reported to be between Esnes and 
Malancourt this A. M. The horse section, 304 Amm. Tr. has 900,000 
rounds cal. 30 on and has passed Malancourt. My dump here has 1,- 
600.000 rounds Cal. 30 on hand which I am not shipping because of lack 
of trucks and state of roads. Will send fom-ard as soon as feasible. 
I am sending all rations duniped at this point forward to Malancourt 
and completed same at 15h." 

The horse section got through to south of Montfaucon on that day, being 
the first ammunition convoy to reach the infantry regiments since the beginning 
of the drive.'' It was intermittently shelled throughout and, in one case, a, driver 
was wounded. Corporal Eugene W. Ruch, Company Clerk of "E" Company, 
314tli Infantry, took the wounded man's place and drove the team forward to 
its destination.^^ 

The congestion toward the rear during September 28 was found chiefly in the 
section of the Malancourt-Montfaucon road, used jointly by the Seventy-ninth 
and Fourth Divisions." Practically the entire day was spent by the 304th En- 
gineers in improving the road bed, five companies around Malancourt in the fore- 
noon and "Company "A" at Montfaucon, and all the companies, save two pla- 
toons from "D" Company, in the vicinity of Montfaucon in the afternoon.'^ 
The two platoons from "D" Company remained at Malancourt to maintain the 
road surface in the vicinity where the routes converged from Esnes and Avocourt.'^ 

The road conditions and lack of sufficient transportation made evacuation of 
sick and wounded very difficult. An effort to secure more ambulances, made by 
the Division Surgeon, Colonel Philip W. Huntington, brought no answer until 
after nightfall when, at 20h 43, a reply from the "V" Corps advised that "Colonel 
Huntington will have to use empty trucks returning from the front "'* This was 
already being done. Round trips for ambulances between Montfaucon and the 
hospital at Clair Chene were taking as long as forty-two hours, and the returning 
trucks of the two convoys of the Supply and Ammunition Trains were pressed 
into service and freighted with casualties tagged for evacuation." The animal 
drawn ambulances from the Triage at Clair Chene were used successfully many 
times to help out when the motor ambulances or trucks were held up by traffic 
jams. A message from the stalled machines would bring the animal drawn ambu- 



148 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



lances to the scene, "and by driving out through mud, bushes and shell holes" 
the lighter vehicles were able to relieve to a great extent the holding of wounded 
along the way.'^ No other field hospitals, save the Triage at Clair Chene, had 
been set up during the day, although that part of the Sanitary Train stalled along 
the highway the preceding day had moved out at 5h and reached Malancourt at 
llh, only to be again held up.^^ Nearly 2,000 wounded, gassed and sick had been 
evacuated through the Division advance dressing stations by this time. During 
the three days of fighting, casualty clearing stations had been established at Caesar, 
Morigny, Geddeon, Zouave, on the Malancourt-Montfaucon road, on the Mont- 
faucon-Nantillois road, and several other places. 




On Roof of Cro^vn Prince's Observatokt, Montfaucon, used as an Observation Post 
BT Division Observers Sept. 27-30, 1918. 

The advance observation post, in the chateau at Montfaucon, manned by 
Sgt. Rivel and his squad, began to function during the morning of September 
28. Despite the enemy shell fire — and the Germans, knowing the position of the 
old chateau and what it contained, sought hard to destroy it. Sergeant Rivel and his 
men clung tenaciously to their post, three of them subsequently being awarded the 
Distinguished Service Cross. ^' They had difficulty during the first part of Sep- 
tember 28 in erecting their instruments, but, at 17h 10, according to a message 
of that hour, had the "tripod working" and could "see much better."" It was 
fortunate that the Montfaucon post had been utilized, as the only other means of 
observation, the single captive balloon of the Sixth U. S. Balloon Company was. 
shot down by Boche aviators at 9h 45 that same morning.^^ Some twenty enemy 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 149 

planes were over the Seventy-ninth Division sector at the time, some firing into the 
infantry to the north, some bombing the trains on the highways, and several con- 
centrating on the balloon.'^ The French aero squadron was not in evidence.'^ 

Division Headquarters, at 18h, had received a message from General Bul- 
lard, commanding the "III" Corps, on the right of the Seventy-ninth Division, 
to the effect that the Fourth Division, the most western of the IH Corps and in 
liaison with the Seventy-ninth, was then "on the hostile third position" and had 
been "so staked out by airplane at 4:20 P. M."" This line was apparently about 
a kilometer ahead of the front line of the Seventy-ninth, a fact corroborated by 
Colonel Knowles* message of 18h 40, previously alluded to. Information from 
the left also indicated that the Thirty-seventh Division was a trifle further ad- 
vanced. 

While the Division staff were completing plans for the continuance of the 
attack on the following morning. Field Order No. 46, "V" Corps, received at 23h, 
directed that the assault begin at 7h, September '29, and that "Divisions -will ad- 
vance independently of each other, pushing the attack with the utmost vigor and 
regardless of cost."" A half hour later, at 23h 30, Field Order No. 9, 79th Di\'i- 
sion, emanated from the Division P. C, -ndth specific instructions for an attack at 
7h in both brigade sectors, the assaulting regiments to be the 315th Infantry on 
the right, and the 316th on the left, with the 314th and 313th in support in the 
respective sectors. A battalion from each of the support regiments was to be 
withheld with the 310th Machine Gun Battalion, as a Division Reserve which was 
to follow the front line troops at 1,000 meters. A preparation fire of "not less 
than one hour's duration," to lift at 7h, was demanded of the 57th Field Artillery 
Brigade, while a battalion of 75's was to be assigned to each of the attacking in- 
fantry regiments.^* The objective and the resistance to be expected were set 
forth as follows:'' 

"The enemy continued his retreat today in front of our First Army 
which drove back the hostile rear guard consisting mainly of machine 
gun nests. There are hostile machine gun nests in the Bois de Ogons and 
in the Bois de Cunel. There is a hostile entrenched position protected, 
partially by wire, north of the Bois de Cunel which extends across the sec- 
tor of the 79th Division. 

The 79th Division will attack at 7h, 29th September, 1918, and 
will advance rapidly in the sector previously assigned. Brigade, regimental 
and battalion commanders will use every means regardless of cost to pre- 
vent the advance from being delayed. The accompanying artillery will be 
called upon by the commanders of units to which attached, to fire upon 
machine gun nests or other resisting points which hold up or delay the 
advances. The commanders of all units will maintain the strictest 
liaison with adjoining units." 

The night of September 28-29, on the front lines, was one of horror. The 
rainfall had continued steadily, gradually turning the ground into mire, the shell 
holes into muddy lakes. Occasional sweeps of enemy machine gun fire added to 
the horror of the night. Officers and men, clinging to what shelter they could 
secure in the lee of "Suicide Hill" on the right, and in the fringes of Bois 268 on 
the left, were soaked to the skin. There could be no rest in this dismal, swamp- 



150 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

like existence under ordinary conditions, and certainly none with the German 
artillery pounding and pounding upon the entire area. Shrapnel and high ex- 
plosives burst in front, in the rear, overhead and in their midst. The troops 
crouched in the shallow, water-filled shell-holes, hoping to escape a direct hit, 
listening to the wicked roar of the avalanche of shell, trying to stop their ears to 
the piteous moans of the wounded, many of whom had not been and could not be 
evacuated. A great gnawing hunger had seized upon the men and could not be 
appeased. Only a few carrying details passed through to the advance battalions 
with food, being the first rations received since the jump off. The rain of steel 
kept supply trains and rolling kitchens from venturing near. Over all was the 
impenetrable darkness of a stormy night, no man seeing more than a yard before 
his face, knowing only by the breathing that his comrades were near. 

Into this region of death and desolation shortly after midnight came the 
Field Order for the advance at 7h. It reached brigade headquarters, was f orM^arded 
to regimental headquarters, and then turned over to runners with instructions to 
get it to battalion headquarters. What this meant can best be understood from 
the experiences of Sergeant Morris G. Roseman and Corporal Albert E. Hutchin- 
son, both of Company "H", 315th Infantry, who were despatched at Oh 30 by 
Colonel Knowles to find the front line battalions and deliver a hastily written 
message, which read: "After an artillery preparation fire you will attack at 7h." 
The location of Major Francis V. Lloyd, commanding the Third Battalion, was 
uncertain, the path was under heavy shell fire, and the darkness was opaque. 
The two non-coms started. About 600 yards from the front they ran into the 
regimental machine gun company. An officer warned them not to advance fur- 
ther or they would find themselves within the German lines. They disregarded 
the warning and continued, fina'ly, after a long and dangerous search, finding 
Major Lloyd and delivering the message. ^^ 

All through the night the Division and Corps artillery strove to neutralize 
to some extent the German fire. The heavies fired into the Bois des Ogons and 
the Bois de Cunel, but labored always at a disadvantage for lack of knowledge 
as to enemy battery positions. As the hours moved along toward daylight, the 
German fire waxed more severe, an indication that the American effort had proven 
of a,bsolutely no value.^' In fact, from 5h on, the Boche shelled not only the front, 
but the back areas clear to Malancourt, and with special concentration on the 
ground lying north of Montfaucon where the support and reserve units waited. 
The first faint streaks of dawn disclosed the enemy observation balloon going up 
over the Cote Lemont, to remain up almost all day, being hauled down only on 
two occasions when Allied aviators were nearby. Its observation was practically 
continuous, and the Germans in the lazy floating bag were able to control the ar- 
tillery fire to a remarkable degree. The balloon was in operation by daylight 
and the effectiveness and severity of the hostile artillery at once became almost 
redoubled.^' The enemy batteries apparently were located in the Bois de Cunel, 
La Mamelle Trench, Cunel Village, Farm de la Madeleine, and Le Ville aux Bois 
Farm, high explosives, shrapnel and some phosgene and mustard gas being used.'^' 
Besides that, the flanking fire from Hill 378, far over on the right bank of the 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 151 

Meuse, was even more destructive at times than the direct discharges from the 
weapons closer at hand.^' 

Despite the conditions — companies down to two platoons, men weary and 
faint from loss of sleep and absence of food, cold and chilled from the continued 
rainfall, the ground a sticky morass, the air a living hell of shell fire — preparations 
were carried on for the attack to be delivered at the scheduled hour. On the right, 
the 315th Infantry had the Third Battalion (Major Francis V. Lloyd) to the east, 
and the Second Battalion (Major Norman Borden) to the west. The First Bat- 
talion (Captain Joseph D. Noonan, Company "A", vice Major Patterson, evacu- 
ated) was in support, but support that morning meant practically being on the 
line, so low in effectives was the regiment. Over to the left, the 316th had Captain 
Somers' Third Battalion and Major Parkin's First Battalion still in front, with 
the Second Battalion (Captain Lukens) in support. For machine gun support, 
the Machine Gun Company of the 315th Infantry was behind its Third Battalion, 
and the Machine Gun Company of the 316th Infantry behind its First Battalion. 
In between, the second platoon of Company "C", 312th Machine Gun Battalion, 
was to cover the advance of the Second Battalion, 315th, on the right, and the 
Third Battalion, 316th, on the left.-^ There were four French tanks remaining 
with the 315th Infantry.^" There were none with the 316th. 

The artillery preparation fire between 6h and 7h was a fiasco, the artillery 
supporting the 315th being "all but incapable of action."'' Nevertheless, at the 
given H hour the two regiments started forward, the 315th over the brow of 
"Suicide Hill," the 316tli down a gentle slope in front of Bois 268, and as each 
reached open country they were smitten by a scourging machine gun fire. Ma- 
chine guns all along the front in the Bois des Ogons and machine guns cross firing 
from every bush and even from the Madeleine Farm, which a reconnaissance had 
previously shown to be flying a red-cross flag, met the oncoming troops.^- At 7h 
05, just as the machine gunners began their deadly work, Colonel Oury reported 
the situation by field message to General Kuhn:''' 

"Reconnaissance made at daylight by the scouts this morning indicate 
that the 315th Inf 316th Inf. in front line were in position prepared to 
advance. Their lines are thin, due to details for food made to the rear 
men getting lost and for various other causes. The 314th is in support 
with the 1st and 2nd Bns. The 3rd Bn has been designated as Division 
Reserve. All formed in depth according to orders. I am in liaison with the 
Division on our right. It is attacking abreast of us. Will be able to 
indicate where their line is shortly, as I have an officer on duty . . , 
Reports will be rendered as advance progresses." 

This message, by runner, was received at the Division P. C. at 8h 07, and a 
response was made to it by Colonel Ross:'^ 

"The Commanding General directs me to say that some army artil- 
lery has come up with sound-ranging devices for locating hostile guns. 
Consequently our counter-battery work should become more effective. 
We will do everything possible to push supplies forward as close up to you 
as possible. Your supply officers must get in touch with their organi- 
zations so that the troops will be supplied. The 316th Infantry is practi- 
cally on line with you according to last reports. Have heard nothing 



15^2 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 153 

from them since the hour of attack. Itasca appreciates the tone of 
your message and wishes you every success." 

In that hour, between the despatch of Colonel Oury's message and the answer 
from the Chief of Staff, there had developed the most desperate fighting of the 
entire operation. On the extreme right, the Third Battalion, 315th Infantry, led 
in person by Major Lloyd'^ and First Lieutenant Bullock, the Battalion Adjutant,^' 
"started with a yell that carried above the scream of Boche machine gun fire."^' 
The lead-off company ("I") crossed the open ground without a casualty and 
dashed into the underbrush on the edge of the Bois des Ogons.^^ The other com- 
panies following were not so fortunate. From the sector to the right, a terrible 
flanking fire opened up.*' The report that the Fourth Division was in advance 
of the Seventy-ninth was proven untrue in that very episode, as the flanking fire 
came from the Fourth Division sector in the Bois de BrieuUes.''" Captain Francis 
A. Awl, of Company "L," was wounded in the first few moments,*^ leaving a single 
officer. First Lieutenant George L. Wright,^ with the unit. Two sergeants, Carl 
A. Oesterle and Adolph J. Kunze, led platoons with extraordinary coolness and 
bravery.'* Company "K" ran straight into a strong machine gun nest in the 
woods and was held up. Captain William M. Carroll, Jr., the company com- 
mander, and Sergeant Arthur W. Olanson, outflanked the nest, shot a German 
non-com who tried to escape, and captured two prisoners.^ Sergeant Francis A. 
McCloskey, of the same company, was severely wounded while courageously 
leading a platoon.'* "I" Company, desperately striving to push ahead, was 
now being enfiladed from the flanks and decimated by a frontal fire. First 
Lieutenant William D. Dodson, suffering from gassing, and Second Lieutenant 
Ira N. Kellberg, severely wounded, remained with the company throughout as the 
only officers. The whole Third Battalion advance was completely hung up at 
9h by the deluge of machine gun fire, through which there was no passing. 

Abreast of the Third Battalion, on the left, the Second Battalion was suffering 
as cruelly. First Lieutenant William A. Sheehan, of Company "F", had been 
killed instantly by machine gun bullets, and First Lieutenant Edgar J. Eyler, 
Second Battalion gas officer, mortally wounded. Captain Earl C. Offinger, of 
Company "G," was severely wounded in the arm and sent back to a dressing 
station, where he refused to be evacuated.^ But this left only one officer with 
the company, First Lieutenant J. Ferguson Mohr, who was leading it gallantly 
in successive efforts to penetrate to the Madeleine Farm.'* In addition, the 
single one-pounder of the Headquarters Company for which there was ammuni- 
tion used up the last of its supply in firing at a strong nest ahead and had to 
be withdrawn.^ Like the Third Battalion, the First Battalion faced an impene- 
trable wall of fire in the heart of the Bois des Ogons and could go no further. This 
was the situation at 9h when Colonel Knowles, from the regimental P. C. at 11.5- 
81.0, at the northeast corner of Nantillois, had the following message telephoned 
to Division P. C.:'* 

"4th Division must go forward before I can. Hostile artillery in 
location 11.8-83.4 is enfilading my front line (Co-opdinates only approxi- 
mate). Do we hold Hill 273?" 



154 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

At that point in the message the connection broke." Lieutenant INIeiley had 
just reached regimental headquarters with word from the First BattaUon. Colonel 
Knowles sent him on back to Division P. C. to report the situation as "II Bn 
and III Bn had gone into the Bois des Ogons but were unable to advance owing 
to machine gun fire. The men reported to be completely exhausted and regi- 
mental commander is of the opinion they have no more driving power. Casualties 
are severe."" Lieutenant Meiley did not reach the Division P. C. with this until 
14h 30." General Kuhn, however, had made immediate use of that part of Colonel 
Knowles message received before the connection parted. At 9h 15 he notified the 
" Commanding General, 4th Division (Thru C. G. Left Brig., 4th Division, Sept- 
sarges)" as follows:" 

"My Division on approximate line 10.0-81.4 to 11.0-82.1 cannot 
advance because of enfilading artillery fire from the right. Cannot advance 
unless your left brigade also advances at the same time. Request present 
location of your frontline and your intentions." 

From 7h on, the 316th, on the left brigade sector, had encountered experiences 
similar to those of the 315th. The artillery fury was not quite so severe against 
it.^^ The Third BattaHon, in liaison with the Second Battalion, 315th, to the 
east of it, had been deluged with shell and machine gun bullets from the jump off. 
Lieutenant Joseph C. Fitzharris was instantly killed and Lieutenant Ivan L. 
Lautenbacher mortally wounded. Companies "I" and "L" were ed by ser- 
geants William M. Flanagan and Manly H. McWhirter, all oflScers having become 
casualties during the preceding day or within the first few minutes of the morn- 
ing's offensive.^* A little group of fifty determined men, headed by Captain 
Somers, the acting battalion commander, and Lieutenants George L. Bliss, Joseph 
Home, Arthur Sayre and J. Edgar Murdoch, fought their way across the open 
and into the lower edge of Bois 250. Struggling forward in the woodland, fre- 
quently in hand to hand encounters with machine gunners, they pushed at last 
to the northern edge of the woods and set up a defensive position." In this group. 
Private 1st cl James J. Bracken, Company "M", displayed conspicuous bravery 
by the manner ;n which he hunted the heavy underbrush for snipers." The First 
Battalion, on the extreme western side of the regimental sector, was unable to 
make corresponding progress. In the open country ahead of Bois 268, Lieutenant 
Daniel S. Keller, the First Battalion Adjutant, was instantly killed, and Lieutenant 
Richard Y. Naill, the Battalion Intelligence Officer was seriously wounded."^ Two 
companies of the Second Battalion ("E" and"F") followed directly behind. The 
Captain Benjamin H. Hewit, of "F" Company was wounded three times, the last 
time fatally.^' Others wounded were Lieutenants John J. Pickard, "E" Com- 
pany, and Charles M. Hoffman, "F" Company. Lieutenant William E. Dreher 
was the only officer left with "C" Company," and a sergeant, Joseph J. Davidson, 
led "D" Company." About 300 meters north of Bois 268, the advance of the 
First BattaHon was checked entirely by the frontal and enfilading machine gun 
fire.22 

At about this hour. Lieutenant C. A. Webb, artillery liaison officer, having 
completed a trip along the entire front from the Fourth Division sector to the 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 



155 




lo6 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



157th Infantry Brigade Headquarters, sent, by runner, a field message to the sup- 
porting 121st Field Artillery, which painted an accurate picture of the situation. 
The exact time of this message was 9h 20. It read:" 

"Went forward to note progress of advance. The Fourth Division 
on our right are well advanced into the Bois des Ogons having taken 30 
prisoners and taken some barracks and dugouts there. On Hill 274 I 
found companies of the 314th Infantry held back by one machine gun lo- 
cated in the Bois des Ogons which had not been mopped up by the First, 
Second and Third Battalions of the 314th Infantry who are completely 
over Hill 274 and into the woods to a depth which I did not determine. 
The enemy was firing two star green rockets and various colored ones from 
the rear of this woods. Some of the artillery which is firing is at short 
range. Several 150 batteries are firing from a northwesterly direction. 
The enemy is covering the lines of advance by effective artillery fire. 
Nantillois is being shelled regularly a large calibre gun is now firing on 
that town. The wounded are not removed from the field. Found 
wounded men who had lain on the ground since 1 o'clock yesterday 
without attention. No stretchers or ambulances at hand. First aid 
stations are far in the rear. Some of our light artillefy has advanced as 
far as this P. C." 

At 9h 45,^Colonel Oury dictated a message upon the progress of his brigade, 
but it had to be despatched by runner and did not reach General Kuhn until llh 
15. It stated:" 



U. S. ARMY FIELD 
MESSAGE 



No. 
BS6 



Sent by 



Time 



Rec'd by 



Time 



Check 



Communicated by 



Ruanar. 



From 



Znetruoi 1 



At . 



P. 0. 11.6 • 60.9 



Date 



89 Stpt. 18 



9ii 45 

.Hour No,. 



Ita«ca 1. 



AA°cr eei>*uli«U9a with C««.aBder of heaty tanks find that h« »lll 
he up by aft.r.»«o t. aiilit at. H« stat.s, ho.e»*r, that h« M.t 
bare •or. •fr««ti»a •oaatar-batt.ry work than ha« bean obtalm.d 

ihaa far. Ha haa aada a ptraanal ra«9nnalaaanaa a* the aitaauaa 
and kaawa what ha la talKlag abaut. Ha»e had raparti from 31 3th and 

lldth. «e ara in toatb with both Wvlaloao oa our rljht and left. 

to ara allfhtly In adraaco of thOB, prosroeoin* Tory olowly. 

Uaohlna gun and oohrapnal dolaylag uo. Tho oltuatlon relative to 

tho wouadod BO*do attention at onea, Muot haTa aare litters and 

ohould ha»o aabulanoot for ovaeuatioa, provi|lns it docs not inter- 

for* with brlncing up aaaunltloa. 

OURt 



Received 1 Xh X 5 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 157 

A message from General Nicholson, of the 157th Brigade, despatched at lOh 
15, gave the following as the situation on his front:''' 

"Incite 1 reports at 8h 45 that attack is progressing slowly and that 
all lines are under heavy shell fire (H. E., shrapnel and gas — both mustjird 
and phosgene). Have sent for full particulars. This P. C, established 
at east edge of Bois de Beuge, is under heavy fire. We have liaison with 
our units. Will move forward when shelling is reduced and will advise 
you." 

Both brigade commanders finally secured definite information regarding 
their front lines around llh. General Nicholson sending a message to the Division 
P. C at lOh 53 and Colonel Oury at llh 15. General Nicholson's report was:'* 

"Invent 1 reports at lOh 10, III Bn lies north edge woods 09.7-82.7. 
I Bn is held up on line 300 meters ahead of N. W. edge 268. Troops 
being cut to pieces by artillery and machine gun fire. II Bn, 119th F. A. 
now here. 2 batteries preparing to open fire on Bois de Cunel and one 
battery on draw about 09.3-82.5. Field behind our P. C. now under con- 
stant shell fire. Invent P. C. at 10.0-81.5. Hostile artillery fire practic- 
ally unopposed by our artillery." 

Colonel Oury reported:'* 

"The front line is now as follows: 09.9-82.5, 10.0-83.2, 11.9-82.8, 
11.3-83.0. This information was obtained from the tank commander of 
the small tanks who is now back and from the two leading Bns. of the 
314th Inf. The advance has been stopped. It appears to be held up 
on right and left divisions who are still behind us. The enemy forti- 
fication at Madeleine Swamps consists of anti-tank guns, machine guns, 
renders imperative further artillery preparations before advance can be 
resumed. Bois de Cunel is also strongly held. Request that heavy 
artillery be again laid on Farm de la Madeleine and that the 37th Div. be 
requested to push up guns to prevent enfilading machine gun fire from 
nests in their fronts." 

Both of the above messages were sent back by runners and both arrived at 
the Division P. C. at 14h 32.'* Prior to that, at llh 15, Lieutenant Colonel Fish, 
artillery liaison officer with the 158th Infantry Brigade, had sent a message 
to General Irwin, commanding the 57th Artillery Brigade, requesting fire on 
the Madeleine Farm between llh 30 and 12h.'* General Irwin directed the 
121st (American) and 330th (French) artillery to open up at llh 30 on the farm, 
as requested,'* and then notified General Kuhn at llh 34 that "the fire cannot 
start exactly at 11.30. It will stop exactly at 12.00. It will be heavy fire while 
fired. Tell Colonel to use his own batteries."'* The last sentence in the message 
related to the commanding officer of the supporting 120th Artillery with the 158th 
Infantry Brigade. General Kuhn, however, ordered the firing to continue after 
12h, directing that "artillery will open at 13h on edge of Bois de Cunel and con- 
tinue firing until 14h."'* The fire on the Bois de Cunel was to be entirely from 
the 75's, the heavies being directed to concentrate upon "la MameUe trench, 
upon Cunel village and upon le Ville aux Bois farm until further orders."'* This 
order was the result of the information contained in the two field messages received 
at llh 15 at Division P. C, both of which had spoken of the need for artillery 



158 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



support. Genera-1 Kuhn had also sent one of his aides, Captain Jay Cooke, 3id 
forward for more exact information. Captain Cooke met General Nicholson 
at llh 15 in Montfaucon, the latter being then on his way back to report in per- 
son. General Nicholson gave Captain Cooke the message he desired delivered, 
with which he arrived at Division P. C. at 12h 53, reporting that the 316th In- 
fantry was advancing very slowly under intense fire of high explosives and shrap- 
nel, and that the entire front was in open ground in plain view of the enemy 
artillery.'^ At 12h 45, therefore, General Kuhn directed messages to both for- 
ward regiments, the one to Colonel Knowles stating:''' 

"Reorganize your command. We are having strong artillery fire in Bois 
de Cunel. Hold at all costs your position well in front of Nantillois- 
Bois de Beuge line." 




Steeet in Montfaucon looking toward Fayel Fakm. 

The 316th Infantry was directed, by the Division Commander, to organize 
a holding line along the north edge of the Bois de Beuge with machine guns, and 
await orders. "Am arranging for protection artillery barrage in case of need," 
the message concluded. Before it was received, however, the situation on the 
front of the 157th Brigade had changed materially. 

The First Battalion, 316th Infantry, on the extreme western flank of the 
Division sector, was too depleted to maintain its position in the open. At about 
12h it withdrew into the Bois 268, arriving just as General Nicholson "dashed 
forward on horseback through an area swept by intense artillery and machine 
gun fire in full view of the enemy to give orders for an attack on the Bois 250."^^ 
General Nicholson, seeing the terrible condition of the shattered remnant of the 
First Battalion, 316th, found Colonel Sweezey, of the 313th, and ordered him to 
advance with his regiment and attack.*^ The remnant of the 316th was reorgan- 
ized finally into a single battalion under Major Parkin, and directed to follow the 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 159 

313th at 800 meters.^' No, not all of the 316th, for on the origmal right sector 
of that regiment. Captain Somers and his gallant men were still far ahead in the 
northern edge of Bois 250, clinging tenaciously and out of all touch with the bal- 
ance of the regiment.^' They had tried to communicate with the Brigade but 
■wathout success. Privates William Lunn, Harry Cooper and Leonard J. Daily 
being mortally wounded, and William Gardner and John S. Costa seriously 
wounded, all members of "M" Company, and all shot down while acting as run- 
ners and seeking to communicate with the rear.'* 

This gallant band had not been unsupported, however. The second platoon 
of "C" Company, 312tli Machine Gun Battalion, after delivering the opening 
barrage at 7h, had followed in the trail of the Third Battalion, 316th, and at lOh 
had been actually in front of the bulk of the battalion in Bois 250, where it opened 
fire on a body of Germans advancing from the northwest, causing them to drop 
their machine guns and retire. An hour later, the same platoon engaged a battery 
of field pieces to the northwest of the woods, causing them to limber up and drive 
off.-' Private 1st cl William Jones displayed exceptional coolness and courage in 
repairing a broken gun while under continuous and deadly fire.^^ Private 1st 
cl. Harmon G. Young, of this platoon, was killed during the fighting. 

Meanwhile, General Nicholson had notified General Kiihn, the message 
being despatched about 12h 30 and received at 14h 15, that the 313th had passed 
through the 316th and was attacking with the 316th in support. The message 
continued:" 

"Troops receiving practically no artillery support. Airplanes are 
urgently requested to coordinate artillery activity with advance of infan- 
try. This is most important as other means of liaison cannot prevent our 
artillery firing into our troops under orders of commanders not acquainted 
with the progression as a whole." 

Consequently, when General Kuhn's order of 12h 45 to the 316th, to main- 
tain a holding line on the northern edge of the Bois de Beuge, was received, it 
arrived too late to stop the attack ordered by General Nicholson. The recipient 
of the message was Lieutenant Colonel Robert L. Meador, Colonel Charles having 
been wounded shortly before by the bursting of a high explosive shell near regi- 
mental headquarters which killed Regimental Sergeant Major Harold H. Bair.*^ 
Lieutenant Colonel Meador's answer to General Kuhn's message stated:'* 

"Orders to reorganize Beuge received 15th 25, but 313th Infantry 
has relieved us for assault and is held with ruinous losses on northern 
edge of W^ood 268, falling in scattered groups. Am trying to communicate 
with Sweezey. Charles slightly wounded. This regiment is effective about 
450, S13th also fast melting away." 

The attack of the 313th had indeed been fraught with serious casualties. 
Lieutenants David M. Rupp and William J. H. Walters, leading their platoons 
in "G" and "B" Companies, were killed in the assault, and Lieutenant William 
P. McGoohan, of "A" Company, mortally wounded. Lieutenant James W. 
Towsen was wounded eight times and finally evacuated.^' Nevertheless, the 
regiment kept on. Within an hour it had penetrated to the Farm de la Madeleine 



^ 



160 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 









n 



3 

o 

W 

o 



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O 

la 



o 
cn 



o 
a 
O 
m 



o 

m 



HI 

H 

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.a 

n 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 161 

where "without more artillery the situation appeared hopeless, the casualties 
increasing all the time."^^ About 16h word was passed that a counter attack was 
expected and at the same time orders were received from the brigade to fall back 
and secure a holding position in the Bois de Beuge.'** The withdrawal was almost 
as serious as had been the attack, Captains David Rupp, 3rd, of "C" Company, 
and Charles G. Eiley, of "D" Company, being killed and Captain Joseph N. Du 
Barry, 3rd, Regimental Operations Officer, seriously wounded in the leg.''^ Ser- 
geant John W. Livegood and Corporal Albert W. Thrasher, both of Company 
"G", remained in their front line positions under heavy fire and helped out the 
wounded."" Major Horatio N. Jackson, of the Medical Corps, was severely 
wounded by high explosives, while "directing the administration of first aid and 
guiding the work of litter bearers."^ 

The single battalion which now constituted the 316th Infantry had started 
forward in support of the 313th but had pushed past it, due to the 313th attacking 
too much in a northeasterly direction/' Major Parkin, commanding this 316th 
unit, continued ahead through Bois 250 and came upon Captain Somers and the 
little band of the Third Battalion entrenched there. Still advancing. Captain 
Somers' force joining in. Major Parkin's men drove through to the northern end 
of the Bois des Ogons, where Captain Alan W. Lukens, Second Battalion 
commander, was killed. Major Parkin went forward into the open to recon- 
noiter. He saw a German hospital close at hand to the northeast, the town of 
Romagneon his left, and in the intervening sjiace several large groups of Germans.^' 
His command was in a splendid tactical position to outflank the German defenses 
of the Bois des Ogons, and he realized it. Lieutenant Mowry E. Goetz was sent 
back with this information and an urgent request for reinforcements so that an 
attack might be launched.^' Lieutenant Goetz could not locate General Nichol- 
son and no one else would take the responsibility of ordering men forward in the 
face of the command to hold a defensive position. The Division Commander, 
himself, knew nothing of Major Parkin's position and did not learn of it until 
mid-night. Finally, an oflicer was despatched from regimental headquarters of 
the 316th to stop an artillery barrage which was about to open on the woods 
ahead, and word was sent to Major Parkin to withdraw.** Lieutenant Goetz 
and Private Roy B. Andes, Intelligence Section, volunteered to return from the 
Bois de Beuge across the open space into Bois 250 mtli the withdrawal order, 
the lone and perilous mission being performed with exceptional gallantry. At 21h 
Major Parkin started back with 160 men.''* He had made the farthest advance of 
any element of the Division,'^ and, more than that, as the operation maps in the 
War Department at Washington show, the position of the battalion of the 316th 
Infantry on the afternoon of September 29 represents a salient deeper in the 
enemy line than any other position of the nine American divisions in the Meuse- 
Argonne offensive that day. Before Major Parkin and his men had reached the 
Bois de Beuge in their withdrawal, the defensive line had been established and 
strongly held despite the continuing shell fire from north, east and west. 

The message from General Kuhn to the 315th to take up a holding position 
in front of Nantillois was received none too soon. That regiment had expended 
itself. Mortal man could do no more in that wilderness of machine guns in the 



162 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Bois de Ogons, which no artillery fire had been able to suppress, and which had for 
hours cut the 315th to pieces. Sullenly, therefore, under orders, the 315th with- 
drew from the fringe of the woods it had won at so terrible a cost, and, for the 
third time, fell back to the northern slope of Hill 274, where, at 14h 45, Colonel 
Knowles notified the Division Commander that his men had stopped and were 
reorganizing and that he had "two battalions in the line and other I am getting 
ready to put in rear."'^ But there was no staying at that point. The northern 
slope of Hill 274 was under direct artillery fire and it was swept by high explosives 
and shrapnel, which in a short while had piled up many more casualties. One 
shell alone killed Captain Joseph Gray Duncan, of the Machine Gun Company, 
and Lieutenant Benjamin Bullock, Third Battalion Adjutant, and mortally 
wounded Lieutenant James F. Delaney, of the Machine Gun Company.*' Two 
men of Company "I", Corporal Joseph A. Keenan and Private Frank M. Flegel, 
performed an act of great heroism, when their platoon was ordered to cover, 
by going to the aid of a wounded comrade who was lying 300 yards distant in the 
open, making the journey through heavy and continuous firing, and succeeded in 
their mission." Finally, when the northern slope was untenable, the regiment 
withdrew again, this time to the protection of the south slope, and dug in, Colonel 
Knowles notifying the Division Commander at 15h:'* 

"Regiment now being in position south of the 10.5-81.6 with the 2nd 
Bn and 1st Bn on road with head near 10.3-81.6 with orders to organize, 
collect stragglers (most of whom are after food and water) dig in or get 
shelter and await orders. M. C. Co. shortages in belts, ammunition low 
in 1st Bn particularly. 316, 314, 313 men mixed with us — trying to 
weed them out, and report their organizations. Effectives this regiment 
approximates 50 per cent in some companies, particularly in 1st Bn. 
Men are of good morale but badly exhausted, because of lack of food, 
water and sleep. Officers getting scarce. Med. officers left all in. 
Wounded with practically no help but 1st aid and many who could be 
saved are dying because of lack of attention and exposure. Supply train 
near my P. C. but unable to get further on account of shelling. Have one 
pounders and some ammunition for same." 

There was no respite anywhere along the front of the 158th Brigade from 
shell fire. The supporting 314th Infantry was being as badly hit as the 315th 
during the latter part of the afternoon. Major Alfred R. Allen, of the In- 
fantry 314th, was killed by shell fire late in the day, as were First Lieutenant 
Ballard C. Linch of the Medical Detachment and Second Lieutenant Edwin 
T. Van Dusen, of the Machine Gun Company. In fact, at 17h 32, Colonel Oury 
despatched a message by Lieutenant Lisle, which read:^* 

"Find that the casualties have been growing worse. Major Allen 
just killed by shell fire. We are lying in the open accomplishing nothing 
in our present position. Am getting men destroyed. Request that I 
be permitted to withdraw." 

Lieutenant Lisle reached General Kuhn at 18h 45 with this message and a 
reply was forwarded which read:" 

"You are again directed to establish a holding position in the vicinity 
of Nantillois, if possible in the north thereof, and organize same for 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 



163 



defense. You will provide a sufficient garrison for this line from the troops 
under your command and will place the rest within supporting distance 
in rear. During the night and while present heavy shelling is in progress 
it will be necessary to hold this line with sufficient personnel for observa- 
tion only. Corps has been informed of our situation and of the direction 
from whence the fire is coming and it is believed that some measure will 
be taken in the very near future by Corps or Army to afford relief. 
Rumors have been prevalent that the 79th Division is to be relieved. 
This rumor has no foundation in fact, and must be suppressed." 

Upon receipt of this, Colonel Oury relieved the 315th, the 314th taking over 
the front line and digging in on the line 10.2-81.2 to 11.2-82.2, the 315th being 
placed in the railroad cut south of Nantillois.** 

The effect of the unending, terrific shelling of the immediate front has been 
shown with the narration of what happened to the infantry. In a lesser degree, 
the enemy artillery wrought severe havoc in the back areas, particularly in the 






Machine gun nest on outskirts of Montfaucon. 

open ground between Montfaucon and Nantillois. Two companies of the 304th 
Engineers, "B" and "C", had gone forward at 5h on the morning of September 
29, with their trains, expecting to follow the infantry in the attack. Instead 
they found it necessary to return south of NantiUois,'" where the "C" Company 
train came under terrific shell fire. Sergeant Thomas Flanagan, by skillful hand- 
ling, "succeeded in extricating the train with the loss of only two horses."^" Wag- 
oner Alvin May, after the train had been driven to safety, volunteered to return 
for a wagon which had been left behind and brought it up safely through the shelled 
area.^'' At 9h the two companies withdrew to south of Montfaucon, where they 
were joined by the balance of the regiment, and the remainder of the day was spent 
in fighting the mud and the traffic on the Avocourt-Malancourt-Montfaucon roads.'' 
How serious the traffic conditions had grown on this highway was evidenced at 
llh 10, when Colonel Jervey, Division Engineer, reported to the Division Com- 
mander, by field message following a reconnaissance, as follows:" 



164 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 165 

"Conditions on Avocourt-Malancourt road in southern part of Bois de 
Malancourt Corps area very serious. All movements between Avo- 
court and Malancourt blocked. If rain continues, a personal reconnais- 
sance satisfies me that conditions will grow rapidly worse. No stone 
available in vicinity and remaining timber unfit for corduroy purposes. 
With the present congestion on the road, it is impossible to haul in 
material which would have to be brought from Avocourt or Malan- 
court. The Corps seems to have sufficient labor on hand. I am maintain- 
ing roads from northeast edge of Bois de Malancourt forward." 

On the morning of September 29 also, the train of "A" Company, 311th 
Machine Gun Battalion, came under heavy shell fire. One man, Private John 
K. Moutafes, and six horses were killed and nine men were wounded within a few 
minutes. Lieutenant Benjamin Jones, commanding the train, "proceeded in 
full view of the enemy, under heavy artillery fire and -with utter disregard of his 
own safety, to transport the wounded beyond the shelled area, to disengage the 
undamaged machine gun carts and harness and to direct the same to cover."'^ 
At the same time Wagoner Clair M. McClure, "although wounded in three places, 
turned his team and took it to a place of safety and did not mention that he was 
wounded until the team was properly parked with the rest of the train. "*^ Ser- 
geant Major Francis W. Keifer, of the Headquarters Detachment, also remained 
with the train while it was being turned, not seeking shelter until the last cart 
was in safety. ^^ Mechanic Michael A. McHugh, who was wounded, refused to 
be evacuated, having his wound dressed and remaining with the company.*^ 
The 311th Machine Gun Battalion, in reserve throughout the attacks of the day, 
secured many opportunities to succor the wounded. Sergeant James R. Marshall,-' 
Sergeant Ralph A. Capen,-' Sergeant Michael F. Ginley,^^ Private Bentley Merton,^^ 
and Private Joshua T. Fenby^- all being cited for deeds of this sort. Three men 
in "C" Company were killed by shell fire. Corporal Edwin J. Kellogg, and Privates 
Marshall S. Baker and William J. Marsch, and three others. Corporal John J. 
Poillon and Privates Charles I. Thomas and Perry W. Wilt being cited for bravery 
under shell fire as runners.-^ 

Shell fire also killed three men of Company "C", 304th Field Signal Battal- 
ion, Private 1st cl Lawrence R. Campbell, and Privates George W. Kuhns and 
Newton E. Long, who were engaged in repairing telephone wires about two kilo- 
meters north of Montfaucon. Sergeant James P. Moroney, of Company "D", 
of the same battalion, had charge of a patrol of the only telephone line which 
was maintained during most of the day. 

On the afternoon of September 28, the Medical Detachment of the 315th 
Infantry had established a first aid station at the southern edge of Nantillois and 
at lOh, September 29, a low-flying German airplane dropped several signal flares 
over the station. Almost immediately "enemy shells began breaking within the 
area."'' The firing killed " the majority of the wounded who at that time occupied 
the aid station" and also two medical officers and several men who had been at- 
tached to the station and who attempted to remove the wounded men during the 
shelling. 5' Sergeant Harry W. Kendrick, of Ambulance Co. 316, was the last 
man to re-enter the station in search of wounded, and received several severe 
wounds, despite which he gave up his place in an ambulance to a more seriously 



166 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

wounded comrade and walked to the evacuation hospital.^'' First Lieutenant Lee 
M. English, Dental Corps, attached to the 314th Infantry, assisted in caring for 
the wounded on the field until the aid station could be located further to the 
rear.^^ Lieutenant Samuel J. Marks, Medical Corps, 314th Infantry, although 
wounded, also remained at his post caring for the patients who had received 
fresh wounds.-' Private Guiseppe Spadafora, Headquarters Company, 315th 
Infantry, forced four German prisoners to assist him in evacuating the wounded.^' 

The 314th Ambulance Company, before dawii of September 29, had estab- 
lished an advance dressing station on the Montfaucon-Nantallois road in the 
open country a half kilometer south of the latter town. The severe shelling forced 
the evacuation of this station at 8h,** two members of the company. Corporal 
John Walsh and William Benson being fatally wounded in their heroic efforts as 
litter bearers to carry the patients to a place of safety. ^^ The utmost gallantry 
was displayed by First Lieutenant William D. McLelland, 314th Ambulance Co., 
in aiding in the speedy evacuation of the station. ^^ Sergeant Donald L. Wagner 
forced his way into the burning station and secured certain surgical instruments 
needed on the outside for an immediate operation upon a re-wounded man, 
and Corporal Joseph W. Klapetzky risked his life to save two wounded Germans 
from the station.^' 

The 314th Ambulance Company then transferred its activities to south of 
Montfaucon and a little later was attached to a new triage set up on the Fayel 
Farm, a few meters south of the Bois de la Tuilerie.^* This triage consisted of 
the 316th Field Hospital, which had been on truck along the road north of Malan- 
court up until that time, and Field Hospital 315 which was ordered up from its 
previous station at Clair Chene.^^ All of the ambulance companies of the Divi- 
sion were attached to it and it was opened at 14h.'^ At 15h, while the hospitals 
were filled with wounded and "in spite of the large red crosses on the top," heavy 
enemy shelling developed. ^^ It was thought this fire "was directed by an enemy 
plane which was overhead" during the bombardment.^^ According to eye-wit- 
nesses, the airplane was machine-gunned from a point not far distant, and it was 
known that two batteries of American light artillery were located to the north in 
the Bois de la Tuilerie. Under these conditions there may have been some ex- 
tenuating circumstances connected with the shelling, although the red crosses 
should certainly have been an incentive to a humane foe to be cautious in his fir- 
ing. Ten shells were dropped upon the hospitals and eight made direct hits.^^ 
Twenty-one men were killed, including a German captain and a German private, 
prisoners who were being treated for wounds. ^^ The action of Lieutenant Colonel 
William A. Harris, Director Field Hospitals, was an inspiration to his men. He 
"personally littered patients from the tents during the shell fire and made every 
effort to get the wounded evacuated immediately."*^ Captain Edgar P. Sand- 
rock, of Field Hospital No. 315, behaved as gallantly, dressing patients during the 
violent shelling, reassuring the wounded and assisting in their prompt evacuation.*'' 
Similarly, Captain Louis E. Emanuel, of the Medical Corps, 314th Infantry, 
remained to the end to assist in the evacuation.^* Sergeant Robert L. Penny- 
packer, of Field Hospital 315, "unassisted got a stranded motor truck out of a 
ditch and transported a number of wounded soldiers on litters out of range of the 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 



167 



shells. '"=* Private William G. Toone, of Ambulance Co. 316, "transferred a 
patient, whom he was carrying on his back, to another comrade, and returned 
through the^ shell fire to the hospitals, with the hope of evacuating others, but 
sacrificed his life in the attempt. "='' Private William L. Heard, of the same am- 
bulance company, was working in one of the tents and helped to carry the pa- 
tients to safety.^* With such heroism on all sides, the more serious cases were 
carried on litters and the walking cases limped along, holding to overburdened 
orderlies, until the area was cleared, leaving three badly rent tents behind. The 
patients were first held at the former advance dressing station on the INIalancourt- 
Montfaucon road, but, as the shelling continued, they were finally evacuated to 
Clair Chene, where P^ield Hospitals 315 and 316 were set up.^^ At 17h Field Hos- 
pital 313 was opened on the Avocourt-ISIalancourt road, south of the latter town, 
and a dressing station for slightly wounded opened by Ambulance Company 316 
at the crossroads nearby.** The 304th Sanitary Train lost nine men killed in 
action that day, those in addition to the ones previously mentioned being Ser- 




Demolisued German Trench, in the Bois de MoNTFAncoN. 

geant Bertie W. David and Privates Harold C. Robinson, and Edward F. Wilson- 
of Ambulance Co. 314; Privates Albert Philippe and Oscar N. Rollins, of Ambulance, 
Co. 313, both of whom died while heroically going to wounded men in the open;^* 
and Private Oscar L. Cast, of Ambulance Co. 316. Every possible vehicle was 
used to evacuate the wounded, even the trucks of the 310th Machine Gun Battal- 
ion (except those carrying guns) being pressed into service as darkness came on.'* 

With liaison restored after dark, and having before him a complete descrip- 
tion of the terrible experiences of the day. General Kuhn, at 19h 30, despatched a 
message to General Cameron, commanding the "V" Corps, asking for more ef- 
fective counter-battery work and pointing out the exhaustion and depletion of 
his command. This message" is given on page 168. 

The losses in the three infantry regiments, which had been in the attacking 
line during the course of September 29, were exceedingly heavy, as all reports 
indicated, and even the 314th had suffered considerably from shell fire, although 



168 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



not called on that day for offensive action. The enlisted men killed in action or 
dying of wounds during September 29 were as follows: 



Time 



Rec'd by 



U. S. ARMY FIELD 
MESSAGE 



No. 



I awB 



Sent by 



Time 



Check 



Ciommunicated by 



MESSG. 



Fr^m — eoisHwuid-ine-General;-,-7§ttr-lJlv-,- 



At 



-^iTiBiTjir- Trr^c; ' 



0<* -S9-9ept ;- -ie-.— """^ - ±§- B-SSO-- 



No.. 



Tos 



Commanding General, Fifth Corps. 



I am informed that my telephone message to you regarding the situ- 
ation of the 79th Division which was relayed through two inter- 
mediate stations, reached your headquarters about 16R 30 today. 
I am not sure that you have in fact received this message. I there- 
fore deem it my duty to inform you by an orderly officer that the 
remaining troops of the 79th Division have "been ordered, to take up 
a holding position along the northern edge of the Eoia de Eeuge 
Sxid in front cf NANTILLOIS. Due to casualties and straggling, the 
effective force now available for holding this position is less 
than 50% of the original strength of the command. All of these 
troops are completely exhausted and incapable of effective action. 
They have been under a terrific slnell fire, mixed with gas, for 
more than 24 hours. They have twice attempted to advance and capture 
the BOIS de QUONS. Both times they vierc driven back by artillery 
fire from the froht and flanks, principally the right, and from 
combined machine gun fire. The tanks co-operated in the first 
attack towards the MADELIIIJE PABM, losing three. In yesterday's 
attack nine tanks were lost at the same point. The comnand has 
been on very short rations since the beginning of the advance and 
has suffered greatly from lack of v/ater, which it has been im- 
possible to supply during the last 36 hours because of the artillery 
fire before mentioned, I am informed that a somewhat similiar 
situation exists on my right and left. It is my opinion that no 
advance by infantry is possible until effective counter battery 
work has been instituted. It has been impossible for the divisional 
artillery to cope with the situation. I deem it my duty to bring 
these matters to your attention in order that proper action may be 
taken in the premices. Indentif ication of prisoners show that the 
Fifth Bavarian Reserve Division is nov/ on our right. Statement under 
"Future Instutions" in Operation Report, this date, signed by 
C--3, is in error. 



JoBeph E. Kuhn, 
Major General, USA 
Comdg. 



Fac-simile of Original Message Sent by Gen. Kuhn to Corps Commander that 

Resulted in Odr Relief. 



COMMANDING OFFICERS (157TH INFANTRY BRIDGADE) 




Colonel Claude B. Sweezey, 
313th Inf. Regt. 




Colonel Wm. H. Ourt, 
314th Inf. Regt. 



Major C. M. DuPut, 
311th M. G. Bn. 



COMMANDING OFFICERS (158TH INFANTRY BRIDAGE) 




COLOKEL A. C. KnOWLES, 

315th Inf. Regt. 




Colonel Geo. Williams 
316th Inf. Regt. 



Lt. Col. Stu.^rt S. J.^nxey, 
312th M.G.Bn. 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 



169 



313th Infantry 



Company "A" 
Mechanic John J. Strehlen 
Private 1st el James N. Granger 

Company "D" 
Privates Ivar M. Johnson 
Walter Smith 

Company "E" 
Corporal Joseph M. Wilkinson 
Private 1st cl James C. Ludwig 
Private Timothy R. Ryan 

Company "F" 
Privates Joseph F. Mathis 

August H. Rittmiller 
Abraham E. Shapiro 

Company "G" 
Private Oram R. Engle 

Headquarters Company 
Private Frank J. Kutcher 



Company "B" 
Corporal Frank C. Whitmore 
PrivateAbelo Fiores 
George Horst 

Company "H" 
Privates Harold R. Archer 
Joseph Wade 
Company "K" 
Privates John E. Nieter 

Harry H. Roehner 

Company "L" 
Corporal Alvey D. Keenam 
Private 1st cl Harry C. Burke 

Machine Gun Company 
Mess Sergeant John A. Ryan 
Mechanic James F. Harper 

Sanitary Detachment 
Private 1st cl Veri E. C. Snider 



Company "A" 
Private William McClain 

Company "C" 
Private Reider Thompson 

Company "E" 
Private Henry H. Sprenkle 

Company "G" 
Private Frank E. Pickering 



Company "A" 
Private 1st cl Reuben H. Duffel 

Company "B" 
Corporal Leroy B. Hinton 
Privates Lloyd C. Baughman 

Arthur M. Brion 

Grover C. Kook 

John A. Murray 

Company "C" 
Corporal George Danig 

Edward Fleisch 
Privates Fred J. Fudala 
Edward T. Kane 
Paul J. Smith 

Company "D" 
Privates 1st cl Lugi GagHardi 

John J. McNamara 



314.th Infantry 

Company "I" 
Private William H. Sullivan 

Company "K" 
Private 1st cl Joseph G. Bauer 

Machine Gun Company 
Sergeant Charles Trapp 

Sanitary Detachment 
Private Esmond C. Tabor 

315th Infantry 

Privates David Diamond 
James P. Kelly 
Frank Lewis 
John Mauro 
Joseph O. Yehle 

Company "E" 
Privates Frank Scheid 

Edward A. Smith 

Company "F" 
Privates Charles Coyle 
Robert King 
Irving S. RofEs 
Jesse E. Schaal 
Theodore G. SchoUer 

Company "G" 
Private Leo J. Hart 



170 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Company "H" 
Privates Charles H. Bates 
Henry R. Klenck 
Frederick Lippert 
William O'Connell 
Robert Ritchie 

Company "K" 
Private Robert R. Morris 

Company "L" 
Corporal Hugh Moy 
Privates Thomas J. Cullen 

Jonathan E. Morgan 
William R. Scheulen 



Company "M" 
Privates Bernard McGarry 
Samuel K. Steever 

Headquarters Company 
Private Walter J. West 
Milton Stern 
Nichele Vetrona 

Supply Company 
Wagoners William P. Cotter 
Jesse W. Soby 



316th Infantry 



Company "A" 
Corporals Thomas Murphy 
Clarence R. Scott 
Privates Charles H. Mansberger 
Abraham Mash 

Company "B" 
Sergeant Earl F. Leckrom 
Mechanic Homer R. Lanning 
Private 1st cl Joseph E. Motiska 
Privates Nunzio Bramanto 
Charles M. Hughes 
Vincenzo Screnci 
Joseph F. Swann 

Company "C" 
Privates Adolph Przestzelski 
Arnold Rabman 



Raymond T. Lynch 
Joseph A. Phillips 
Edward J. Rogan 

Company "H" 
Sergeant James A. Kelly 
Privates Livio Di salvo 

Nicholas A. Haidner 
Frederick Talbot 

Company "I" 
Sergeant Enos R. Lutman 
Privates Sam Susson 
Sam Urciuoli 

Company "K" 
Privates Joseph luliano 
John B. Smith 



Company "M" 
Corporal Daniel E. McComsey 
Private Herbert M. Hill 

Headquarters Company 
Regt. Sgt Maj. Harold H. Bair 
Private 1st cl John M. Wise 
Private Samuel M. Shelly 

Machine Gun Company 
Mechanic Eugene R. Kreider 
Privates Arthur H. Jones 

Frank S. Kennedy 



Company "E" ^ 
Sergeants John M. Kutchever 

David W. Mundis 
Corporals Martin M. Babb 
Alfred A. Heisey 
Mark C. M. Weierbach 
Privates 1st cl Michael Adzema 
Joseph T. Conner 
Benjamin Husik 
Rene E. Tissot 
Privates Frank Coleman 

Joseph Horenstein 
Stanley Kopetsky 

Company "F" 
Corporal Alvin T. Reymeyer 

Word that a much-hoped for and greatly-needed relief was on its way came 
to the Division about 4h 30 on the morning of September 30, when Field Order 
No. 47, "V" Corps, was received at the Seventy-ninth Division P. C. General 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 171 

Kuhn at once despatched field messages to the two infantry brigade commanders, 
the one to Colonel Oury reading:'^ 

"Orders from Corps just received direct relief of 79th Division from 
the line. The 5th Brigade, 3rd Division, is now marching to your relief. 
Designate an officer of your brigade to be at the western exit of ]Montfau- 
con on the Montfaucon-Ivoiry road to meet a representative of the reliev- 
ing regiment." 

To General Nicholson the message read:** 

"The 5th Brigade, 3rd Division, is now marching to the relief of 
your brigade, pursuant to orders just received from 5tli Corps. You 
will send a suitable ofiicer familiar with the present disposition of first 
line troops to report at the exist of Montfaucon on the Montfaucon-Ivoiry 
road as a guide. This officer wiU be ordered at once in order that when 
the head of the relieving column arrives. Orders will issue later relative 
to the assembly of troops, their routes of march and supply." 

This was followed at 6h 30 by Field Order No. 10, 79th Division, which an- 
nounced that "upon relief the 157th and 158th Brigades and separate units of the 
79th Division will be assembled under the direction of brigade and separate unit 
commanders in the vicinity of Malancourt and from which point they will be 
gradually transferred south of the Avocourt-Esnes road."^' The order also pro- 
vided that rolling kitchens and water carts containing water would accompany 
the troops, and that empty water carts, ration carts and horse drawn ammuni- 
tion vehicles should be immediately despatched to the refilling points via the 
Montfaucon-Avocourt-Recicourt road. ^' 

In view of the contemplated relief, it was decided to attempt no further at- 
tack during September 30, "the troops only holding the positions taken up the 
night before until the relief was effected."^* The mere holding of this line was a 
trying ordeal. The American artillery still seemed unable to neutralize the Ger- 
man fire, and the defensive line, shallow trenches and shell holes along the front 
of the Bois de Beuge and Nantillois, were shelled incessantly. The line was held 
with the heavy Brownings of the 311th and 312th Machine Gun Battalions and of 
two platoons of Company "B", 310th Machine Gun Battalion, in constant sup- 
port. The enemy made no attempt to attack, being content to harass the lines 
and the back areas as much as possible by shell fire. In the meanwhile, carrying 
details got food forward at last to the men in the holding companies, and the 315th 
and 316th in reserve had their first substantial meal in four days. 

At lOh 45, the first columns of the Third Division reached the southern edge 
of Montfaucon, and the relief was carried on as rapidly as possible.** At 13h 
the first units of the 315th Infantry were replaced by the newcomers,*^ and in rapid 
succession the columns of fresh troops stepped into the places made vacant by 
the other imits of the Division, until, by 18h, all had started back except "A" 
and "D" Companies of the 311th Machine Gun Battalion which remained until 
noon the next day, supporting the Third Division infantry.** The "thin columns 
of exhausted men"*^ stumbled back through Montfaucon, the heavy shelling 
still continuing and casualties occuring not infrequently. The haggard troops 



172 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



were bivouaced during the night of September 30 — October 1 in the vicinity of Mal- 
ancourt.^* Exhausted, they slept that night for the first time since the opening 
of the drive with no fear of artillery, or machine gun, or gas. On the following 
morning they again took up the march, and all during October 1 and October 2 
the shattered remnants of regiments and battalions went shambling over the 
rebuilt Malancourt-Avocourt road and the Esnes-Avocourt road and those other 
familiar spots on the line of their old Avocourt-Malancourt sector, to encamp at 
last in the same locations they had vacated on the momentous night of Septem- 
ber 25-26 — Camp Normandie, Bois de Lambechamp, Foret de Hesse, and Bois 
le Deffoy. All save the 304th Engineers.' "F" Company, of the Engineers, had 
been detailed to the gruesome task of burying the dead and was engaged thereon 




Avocourt-Malancourt Road Crossing Old Trench Line 

beginning September 30.^° The other five companies were swinging down the 
road toward Camp des Gendarmes when a radio message was handed Lieutenant 
Colonel Barber. It read:*" 

"September 30 — Engineer regiment with 79th Division is placed 
at the disposal of Commanding General, 3rd Division, and will not be re- 
lieved with the remainder of the 79th Div. Repeat to its C. O Cameron." 

The regiment was immediately ordered to retrace its steps, and subsequently 
served eight more days at the front as the combat regiment*" with the 3rd Divi- 
sion. Lieutenant Colonel Barber was in command. Colonel Jervey having been 
evacuated to a hospital. The five companies worked south of Montfaucon on 
the road for a day and then moved to the north of the town, repairing the high- 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 173 

way to Nantillois. There they were joined by "F" Company. On October 4, 
when the Third Division made its first effort to continue the advance north of 
Nantillois, the 304th Engineers were in support, but what had proven too hard 
for the worn Seventy-ninth on September 29 proved too hard for the fresh Third on 
October 4.'' The SOith Engineers, so close to the infantry, received considerable 
shelling and great quantities of gas in the next few days, seventy men of the 
Second Battalion alone being gassed on October 4.^- During the subsequent 
three days, all the comi)anies were engaged in maintenance of roads north of 
Montfaucon, except one which was barricading Third Division Headquarters. 
On October 7 the regiment was relieved from further duty with the Third Divi- 
sion and at oh, October 8, marched away for a rest at last.*' 

The Seventy-ninth Division P. C, southeast of Montfaucon, had closed at 
18h, September 30, when the relief was well nigh completed, and was established 
at 19h 30 at Jouy-en-Argonne.^'' At the same time Major William T. Price, 
commanding the 304th Supply Train, *^ and Major Rudolph Van Hoevenberg, 
commanding the 79th Military Police Company,*^ were doing splendid work 
in handling the terrible traffic congestion resulting from one division mov- 
ing in and another moving out of the area during the same period and over the 
same road. Major Price's "efficient organization of wrecking squads enabled him 
to bring all trucks for which he was responsible out of the Montfaucon area with- 
out losing a truck, although eighteen had been overturned along the way and dis- 
abled by shell fire and other causes."*^ 

By October 2 the entire Division, with the exception of the Engineers and 
Field Hospitals 314 and 315 at Clair Chene,*' had gone into camp in the vicinity 
of Jouy-en-Argonne and had passed from the control of the "V" Corps to that of 
the "in" Corps." While it rested, it took stock of what it had accomplished, 
and die record could not help but fill all connected with the Division with a just 
pride. During the period from September 26 to September 30 it had advanced 
ten kilometers, and had taken 905 German prisoners. There is no complete record 
of the precise material captured, owing to the Division being relieved before it 
was possible to take an inventory, and all property taken was left on the field. 
The 314th Infantry was the only regiment which was able to render a report, and 
in this is listed among its captured material, seventy-eight light machine guns, 
five heavy machine guns, 121 rifles, five 77 mm. cannon and four minnenwerfers.*^ 

The Division's record, in its first battle experience, is well reviewed by Major 
General Kuhn in the conclusions to the official Report of Operations of the Division 
in the first phase of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. He states:*' 

"The Seventy-ninth Division came under fire for the first time since 
its organization. More than half of its strength was made up of draftees 
of not more than four months 'service, and considerably less of actual train- 
ing, due to the time lost in transport from United States and in moving 
about while in France. So far as courage and self-sacrifice are concerned, 
the conduct of both officers and men was above all reproach, but, as is the 
case with all green troops, there was lacking the experience which comes 
only from actual contact with the enemy. In view of the difficulties 
of the terrain and the inexperiences of the troops, I am of the opinion that 
both officers and men fought well." 



174 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



He commended the Division again on October 24, when, in General Order No- 
16, 79th Division, he stated:'" 

"During the recent fighting in the Battle of Verdun, the 79th Division 
received its first baptism of fire in the Montfaucon sector. 

The Commanding General takes this means of expressing to his 
command his satisfaction and gratification for the courage, fortitude 
and tenacity displayed by all troops, especially the infantry, which 
although frequently subjected to heavy machine gun and artillery fire, 
not only held all ground conquered but gallantly strove to advance 
whenever called upon to do so. 

The Commanding General feels confident that the 79th Division will 
not fail to maintain its excellent records and that the experience gained in 
the recent fighting will be turned to profit when again confronting the 
enemv." 




Montfaucon ukder Snow December 1918. 

The casualties of the Division, as computed immediately after the relief on 
September 30, showed that twenty-two ofiicers and 278 men had been killed in 
action; eighty-six officers and 2,228 men wounded or gassed, and 749 men were 
missing in action.^* Of this latter classification many were found eventually to 
have been killed and some were wounded. Likewise, many of these listed as 
wounded immediately after the operations, subsequently died of their injuries. 
The killed in action during September 30 and October 1 and those who died of 
wounds after September 30 were as follows: 

313th Infantry 

Company "A" Company "B" 

Private 1st cl Clyde F. Jones Corporals Walter H. Ostrowski 

AMlliam E. Sheridan 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 



175 



Privates Edgar L. Bandel 
Harry H. Kelley 
William Luneberg 
Edward A. Stocksdale, Jr. 

Company "C" 

Sergeants Frederick Bean 

William P. Shamleffer 

Corporals Walter E. Campbell 

Alexander H. McClintock 

Privates Walter G. Albert 
Frank Berger 
William T. Dorsey 
Ellis Eskowitz 
Nick Jannaxcone 
Adolph Plucinski 
Irving R. Stallings 
Charles Thompson 
Angelo Turchiano 
Earl H. Tyree 
George Weyuker 
Bronislaw Wolukanis 

Company "D" 
Corporal Seligman B. Austrian 
Privates William L. Crampton 

Adam Hartman, Jr. 

Felix S. Rab 

Henry V. Talbert 

Company "E" 
Sergeant Charles R. Clubb 
Corporal Jeremias J. Visser 
Privates George F. Coleman 
Joseph H. Weber 

Company "F" 
Corporal William H. England 
Privates Clarence H. Cole 

Arthur Madden 

Harry O 'Donnell 

Eli M. Shapiro 



Company "G" 
Corporals Thomas A. Carr 

Samuel A. Macatee 

Thomas C. Sard 

Privates Philip R. Berfeld 

William E. Hyland 

Charles C. Lerner 

Raymond E. Ross 

Company "H" 
Corporal Timothy A. O 'Leary 
Privates Arthur Cammarata 
Stephen T. Sullivan 
Andrew J. Wells 

Company "I" 
Privates William 0. Hill 

Pasquale Maruceio 

Company "K" 
Privates John Keenan 

Leo J. Lipschutz 
Leo I. Nuedling 

Company "L" 
Privates John J. Deller 
John T. McKee 
Witold M. Sokolowsky 
Alfred Vannata 

Company "M" 
Privates Wilbur F. Baldwin 
Antonio Regruto 

Headquarters Company 
Corporal James L. Carr 
Privates Harry Ruehl 

Machine Gun Company 
Privates Thomas G. Grail 
Oscar E. Rodman 



314th Infantry 



Company "A" 
Privates Amos R. Nields 
Sterling W. Seitz 

Company "B" 
Private Domenico Tortora 

Company "C" 
Corporal Stanley Andresic 



Company "D" 
Private William Mattson 

Company "E" 
Private Andrea Frasca 

Company "F" 
Privates Charles W. Baer 

Harry F. Lackhove 
Looren Paroonagian 



176 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Company "H" 
Private 1st cl Nicholas W. Heery 
Privates Howard M. Fye 
Harry B. Moore 
William F. Taylor 
Harry J. Williams 

Company "I" 
Sergeant John C. Strider 
Privates Samuel M. Cottrell 
Raymond H. Koch 

Company "K" 
Private Joseph Polowski 

Company "L" 
Private Francis L. McEU 



Company "M" 
Sergeant Raymond McCracken 
Privates Francis Hannify 
Gilbert C. Haupt 
John H. Miller 
William L. Nunan 
John E. Schleig 
Frank J. Turner 

Headquarters Company 
Privates Thomas Smith 
Fred Stone 
Allen H. Winter 

Sanitary Detachment 
Private Joseph L. Ginley 



311th Machine Gun Battalion 



Company "D" 
Corporal James A. Darrah 



315th Infantry 



Company "A" 
Private 1st cl Charles J. Dougherty 
Privates John Heineman 

Mieczj'stan Ruzycki 

Company "B" 
Private Thomas lannuzzi 

Company "C" 
Corporals David P. Anderson 

George Horn 
Privates Joseph H. Cherry 
Alexander Gilchrist 
Joseph Lewis 
James N. Mallus 
Leo J. Swartz 

Company "D" 
Private 1st cl Ornill S. Cummings 
Privates Antonio Del Sordo 
William V. GrifEn 
Martin J. Kelly 
Alexander McClean 
Morris Nachtigal 
Charles H. Schnell 
Frank M. Trebino 

Company "E" 
Privates Edward Huss 

Charles J. Kelly 



Company "F" 
Corporal Lewis Ryan 
Privates Jan Citko 

George A. Harrington 
Sotirios Verras 

Company "G" 

Privates 1st cl Peter J. Conway 

George M. Donahue 
William Hetherington 

Private Kenneth A. MacKenzie 

Company "I" 
Private Frank Kossakowski 

Company" L" 
Corporal Harry Hahn 
Privates 1st cl George L. Kelley 
Privates Reed Barnitz 

Walter J. Henderson 

Maury Lieberman 

William Reid 

William H. Stanley 

Company "M" 
Privates Alexander Friedel 
Donato Masciole 
Giacomo Moscariello 
Machine Gun Company 
Private Elton N. Reid 



NANTILLOIS AND THE BOIS DE BEUGE 



177 



316th Infantry 



Company "A" 
Bugler Elbert L. Davidson 
Private 1st cl Charles C. Bucher 
Privates William Demos 

Dimeteo Gregore 

Tootsie Miller 

James V. Pergola 

Michael Tomosley 

Company "B" 
Corporal George E. Green 
Mechanic Peter S. Lengel 
Private 1st cl Andrew M. Detrich 
Privates Raymond Brough 
Vincent King 
Rosario Patane 

Company "C" 
Privates 1st cl Frederick W. Pineman 
Privates Mike Holowopura 
Jacob A. Lohmiller 
Delbert M. Welliver 

Company "E" 
Sergeant Francis E. Ryan 
Privates James E. Dye 

William W. Fahey 

James S. Lockhart 

Erick W. Lund 

John Prihoda 

Carmine Provisiero 

Frank Willowitch 



Company "H" 

Privates William J. Hasson 

Eugene A. Kibbler 

Company "I" 
Privates Albert E. Forsyth 
Lester W. Pfeffer 



Company "L" 
First Sergt. Arthur E. Undercoffer 
Corporal Lloyd D. Tschopp 
Privates 1st cl Monroe C. Bill 

Thomas C. Snyder 

Company "M" 
Corporals Joseph Giangreco 
Ralph Heckle 
Robert L. Libhart 
Privates Harry E. Cooper 
Wilham Lunn 

Headquarters Company 
Batn. Sgt. Maj. Edwin C. Rebert 
Private 1st cl Clifford J. Gangewere 

Machine Gun Company 
Sergeant Albert E. Shoemaker 
Private 1st cl Conrad W. Ziegler 
Privates Thomas V. Flanigan 
William Smith 
Thomas Z. Wagner 



Company "G" 
Privates 1st cl Abrahm L. Turner 
Private John Welsh 

312th Machine Gun Battahon 



Sanitary Detachment 
Private 1st cl Harry E. Fuerst 



Company "A" 
Bugler Norman D. Coates 



Company "C" 
Privates Glenn L. Doebler 
Ralph E. Windsor 



Company "B" 
Private John F. Walsh 



310th Machine Gun Battalion 



Company "B" 
Private Samuel M. Clark 

Company "D" 
Corporal Joseph A. McGrath 

Company "E" 
Corporal James J. Taskey 



304th Engineers 

Privates George H. Raiger 

Lyman G. Saunders 
Anthony J. Stoe 

Company "F" 
Privates Alvin A. Gochnauei 
Paul H. Utz 



178 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



304th Field Signal Battalion 



Company "B" 
Pri^'ate Raymond S. McGonigal 



Company "C" 
Corporal Edgar R. Krengel 
Privates Clarence Champ 
Frank C. Cole 
Arthur D. Simonson 



Ambulance Co. 313 
Private Walter M. Briggs 

Ambulane Co. 314 
Corporal John Walsh 



304th Sanitary Train 

Ambulance Co. 315 
Private Carl L. Firor 



CHAPTER VI 
THE TROYON SECTOR 

THE Seventy-ninth Division, in bivouac in the area around Jouy-en-Argonne, 
picked up its blanket rolls from regimental and battalion dumps, settled 
back in ■woodland security from occasional Boche aviators and prepared to 
rest. That was on October 1. Two days later its officers received the latest 
Division Field Order (No. 11) and discovered that it contained marching orders 
for that very night. ^ On the face of it, there was nothing suspicious in this. The 
Division felt that it had acquitted itself splendidly in its baptism of fire and that 
it now was bound for a rest area — that mythical spot for which the A. E. F. al- 
ways sought in vain. The terms "rest and replacements" were not mentioned 
in the new field order, but, logically, there could be no other interpretation. At 
least, such was the consensus of opinion after a careful perusal. The field 
order stated that the Division, less the 304th Engineers, was "relieved from duty 
in the HI Corps" and would "proceed by marching" on the night of October 
3-4 "to the zone of the II Colonial Corps" (French).' Evidently that zone was 
not far distant if it was to be reached in a night. The second paragraph of the 
Field Order divided the Division into three columns; the first, under General 
Nicholson, consisting of the 157th Provisional Brigade with four horse-drawn 
ambulances and a platoon of military police; the second, under Colonel Oury, 
consisting of the 158th Pro\'isional Brigade, and the same number of ambulances 
and military police; and the third, under Colonel William C. Rogers, consisting 
of the 310th Machine Gun Battalion, 304th Field Signal Battalion, 304th Train 
Headquarters and Military Police, and 304th Sanitary Train. ' The 304th Am- 
munition and Supply Trains were directed to "remain in present location until 
further orders."' Field and combat trains were to accompany the columns, and 
rolling kitchens, water carts, rations, baggage and ammunition were to proceed 
in that order of priority should the animal supply be sufficient. One day's field 
rations were to be carried by each man and one additional day's rations on the 
field trains. The only thing lacking was the destination. Regarding that, the 
order stated that "march table will be furnished as soon as possible."' 

While the still wearied men proceeded to break camp, yet under the impres- 
sion that they were headed for some quiet spot out of the battle area, the promised 
march table put in an appearance. Suspicions were still lulled. The destinations 
of the columns were Ancemont, Senoncourt and les Monthairons,' all unfamiliar 
names and certainly not associated with any fighting so far as the Division could 
recall. The towns were somewhere to the south, as the table contained a para- 
graph to the effect that "heads of columns will not pass south of the line Ville sur 
Cousance-Rampont-Blercourt-Verdun prior to 22h, October 3, 1918."' To go 
southward meant to leave the Meuse-Argonne at their backs, and the men were 
not sorry to do this. 

(179) 



180 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Beginning at 18h, October 3, the units started over various roads leading to 
the points where the columns were to concentrate. The units comprising Gen- 
eral Nicholson's command swung through Montezeville, Vigneville and Bethelain- 
ville to Sivry le Perche, the four horse-drawn ambulances and the platoon of mili- 
tary police reporting at the latter place at 20h.i With 500 meters between each 
battalion, the march was resumed due southward and so timed as to obey the 
instructions regarding the furthest point permissible at 22h. Colunm No. 2 gath- 
ered at Dombasle, via Montezeville and the Avocourt-Dombasle road, and then 
moved on, the head of the column reaching Rampont at 20li 20 and halting until 
22h as instructed.^ The third colunm followed the second into Dombasle and 
then turned south toward Ville sur Cousance.' An addendum to Field Order 
No. 11, distributed to the columns on the way, provided that General Nicholson's 
command should camp during October 4 in the Bois de Nixeville, east of the "Sac- 
red Way on the road between Nixeville and Lempire," and the other two columns 
"in the Foret de Souilly, east of Senoncourt."^ The addendum was emphatic 
that "north bound traffic must not be interfered with by the movement," and 
instructed column commanders to detail officers at each point where the march 
crossed a north-bound route. In conclusion, it stated that the march to the bil- 
leting area would be completed by daylight and that colunm commanders should 
notify the 17th French Army Corps at Regret and the 2nd Colonial Corps at St. 
Mihiel as to the location of camping places enroute.' 

Wearied though they were, the men made good time on this night march» 
spurred, no doubt, by the anticipated rest ahead, and dawn of October 4 found all 
units safely ensconced in the shelter of the Bois de NLxeville and the Foret de 
Souilly, and well concealed from aeroplane observation.^ During the morning the 
columns rested and at ISli received G-1 Order No. 13, directing them as to the 
pursuance of their journey.' This order assigned the 157tli Provisional Brigade 
to "Area B," which lay on either side of the Meuse River, thirteen kilometers 
south of Verdun, and the 158th Provisional Brigade to "Area A," adjoining 
'Area B" on the south. Column No. 3 was directed to be divided among towns 
in both areas, but was instructed not to march until Colunm No. 2 ahead of it 
"had cleared the cross roads east of Souilly."' Billeting officers were directed to 
proceed ahead of the units and make arrangements "with local French authori- 
ties. Zone Majors, Town Majors and Majors in charge of cantonments" for as- 
signment of outfits.' The journey was to be resumed, the order stated, at 14h, 
October 4. In the case of the 158th Provisional Brigade, the march was not re- 
sumed until 14h 45, as Colonel Oury granted the 315th Infantry time to complete 
"the serving of a hot meal."^ 

Ahead of the men lay a long hike. General Nicholson's brigade emerged 
from the Bois de NLxeville and took the main road leading through Lempire, 
Landrecourt and Dugny to the Meuse. It turned south along the west bank of 
that river as far as Ancemont, where it crossed and separated. The 316th In- 
fantry proceeded to Rupt en Woevre, seven kilometers east by south of Ancemont, 
arriving at midnight.^ The 313th Infantry turned south down the east bank of 
the Meuse, three kilometers, to Genicourt sur Meuse,' and the 311th Machine Gun 



THE TROYON SECTOR 



181 



Battalion found its billets in the Bois la Rappe, about midway between the in- 
fantry regiments' headquarters. 

Colonel Oury's command, starting from the Foret de Souilly forty-five minutes 
late, did not attempt to do the whole distance ahead of it in a day, but halted for 
the night in a shelter tent camp at Recourt.^ Because of the congestion on the 
road and the situation of the camp, a hot meal could not be served and the men 
were permitted to use their reserve rations.^ The march was resumed at 7h 15, 
October 5, and was pushed hard all day long, the route leading due south to "Area 
A," where headquarters of the 314th were established at Rupt-devant-St. Mihiel,* 
of the 315th Infantry at Lahaymeix,* and of the 312th Machine Gun Battalion 
at Courouvre,' all west of the Meuse. 

The third column, delayed until Column No. 2 had cleared the crossroads 
east of Souilly, spent a whole day in the Bois de Senoncourt and then proceeded 
to les Monthairons. Here the 310th Machine Gun Battalion, Supply Train and 
one-half of the Sanitary Train were quartered. The 304th Field Signal Battalion 




Village of Les Monthaibons occcpied by 310th Machine Gun Battalion, 79th Divi- 
sion, Oct. 5, 1918, en-route to Thoyon Sector. 

and the balance of the Sanitary Train continued southward to Camp Gibraltar, 
lying west of Thillonibois in "Area A."' 

Division Headquarters had been opened at Thillombois at 13h October 4.' 
At that time all three columns were still on the march, and, even while the ex- 
hausted men were plodding the muddy roads in the final stages of the tiring hike, 
a new field order was being drawn up at Thillombois which was to shatter the 
dreams of rest. It was Field Order No. 12, distributed on October 5, and it dis- 
closed to the Seventy-ninth Division that the supposed rest area was a front line 
sector about 13 kilometers north of St. Mihiel. The second paragraph of Field 
Order No. 12 told the story:' 

"Pursuant to Special Order No. 811, II Colonial Corps (French) 
dated 5th October, 1918, the 79th Di^^sion will relieve the 26th 
Division in the Troyon Sector during the night 7-8 October, 1918. 
The relief of the infantry and of the machine guns will be com- 
pleted by the morning of 8th October." 



182 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



There was considerable more in that field order. Not only that, but con- 
siderable of what was in it was found subsequently to be in error with the result 
that between October 5 and 7, there were issued four memorandums and an ap- 
pendix before all matters were straightened out.^ As finally corrected, it described 
the new front as being divided into two brigade sectors — Massachusetts and Con- 
necticut — each of which was further divided into two regimental sectors — ^from 
right to left, Concord, Montpelier, Augusta and Providence.^ These good old 
New England names identified the 26th as the famous "Yankee" Division, which 
had won the ground in the St. Mihiel drive and had the right to christen the ter- 
rain as it would. There were two clauses in the order, however, for which the 
Seventy-ninth was thankful. The one pleased the 157th Provisional Brigade, 




Demolishing walls for road-building stone — St. Remy-Troton Sector. 

which was assigned to relieve the 26th, as it provided that two French battalions 
would occupy the zone of observation.^ The other pleased the 158th Provisional 
Brigade because it was directed to remain in its "present billets pending further 
instructions."^ 

In the 158th Brigade, the period from October 5 to October 10 was consumed 
in "policing of billets, re-equipping of the regiments, rendering of reports and a 
five hour training schedule," the latter including considerable close order drill, 
"deemed necessary on account of the long period which had elapsed without any 
disciplinary instructions."^ 

The 157th Brigade found slight time for any routine. The 316th was hurried 
out in the evening of October 6 and marched toward the front through Mouilly 



THE TROYON SECTOR 



183 



to the Grande Tranchee de Calonne, turned south on it two kilometers and then 
struck east for another kilometer into le Chanot Bois, arriving before dawn and 
going into bivouac.''' The 313th Infantry broke camp at 18h, October 6 and 
marched to Rupt-en-Woevre, taking over the ground vacated a few hours previ- 
ously by the 316th Infantry.^ The relief began, as prescrilied, on the night of 
October 7, the French battalions having effected the relief in the zone of observa- 
tion the previous night.^ The 316th Infantry took over the right hand sector — 
Massachusetts — the First Battalion on the left and the Second Battalion on the 
right, in the zone of resistance and the Third Battalion remaining in reserve in le 
Chanot Bois.'' The 313th Infantry, taking over the left hand sector — Con- 




Po.STE DE COMMAXDE, 157X11 I.VFAXritV BuiUAUE, XEAU MoUILLY, THE KUIXS OF WHICH C.4X 
BE SEEX IX FAR BACKGROUXD. 

necticut — ^placed the Third Battalion on the left and the Second Battalion on the 
right, ■with the First Battalion in the rear.^ 

The new front covered a distance of nearly nine kilometers and was of a pe- 
culiar nature. The main line of resistance ran from northwest to southeast along 
the summit of the Cotes de Meuse. The Cotes de Meuse were almost a continu- 
ous line of wooded cliffs, whose northeastern edges dropped precipitously to the 
plains of the Woevre. The line was wavy and irregular, following each projection 
thrust out into the plain by every cote (hill) which pushed boldly away from the 
main range. The observation from such an elevation was perfect. The Ger- 
mans, to overcome the disadvantages of being watched from the heights, had 
withdrawn their lines about six kilometers, and the outposts of the Yankee Divi- 



184 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



sion had pushed after them, estabHshing their own outpost Hues some 3 kilometers 
beyond the hills. As a result, the zone of observation covered the entire flat from 
the hills to the outpost line. 

^Vhile the 157th Brigade was going into the line of resistance, the 310th Ma- 
chine Gun Battalion was moving up to support the 316th Infantry,'^ and the 311th 
Machine Gun Battalion to support the 313th Infantry." The 157th Brigade 
Headquarters was established at Mouilly at 12h, October 7, while the Division 
Headquarters moved to Troyon sur Meuse, seven kilometers northeast of Thil- 
lombois at 8h, October 8.' Following this move the headquarters of the 315th 
Infantry were transferred from Lahaymeix to Thillombois. The Division rail- 




Hotel de ville, Troton-sub-meusb, 79th Division Headquarters Oct. 8-28, 1918. 

head was at Rattentout, with the advance dump at Mouilly, a 60 cm. railway 
connecting the two points.' 

When the St. Mihiel salient had been taken from the Germans on September 
12 and 13, the Boche had been forced to abandon great quantities of ammunition, 
guns, machinery, clothing and equipment of various kinds, most of which was 
still lying about the sector when the Seventy-ninth Division moved in. During 
four years of uninterrupted occupancy, the enemy had made himself comfortable 
in the area to no slight degree, and such of his luxuries as had not been ruined 
by shell fire or drenched with gas during the recent operations were enjoyed to 
the utmost by the men. Elaborately furnished officers' clubrooms, billiard rooms, 
dance halls, recreation huts, baths and vegetable gardens had been left behind. 



THE TROYON SECTOR 



185 



all in somewhat battered condition, but nevertheless capable of being improved 
and enjoyed. This German lavishness existed, of course, only in that part of 
the sector held by the front line regiments. The enemy had not set foot west of 
the Meuse where our reserve regiments were encamped. 

However, real comfort was by no means lacking for the troops stationed in 
reserve in the small partly demolished villages on the west bank of the INIeuse. 
A brief description from the diary of Captain George L. Wright of the 315th 




BocHB Esprit de-Corps: "We Germans Fear Gott but nothing else in the World." 
Infantry, of this date, stationed in the village of Les Paroches about a mile and a 
half from St. Mihiel, gives an interesting light on existing conditions: 

"Evidence piles up on all sides as to the comforts which the 
French Troops were able to surround themselves with even on the 
edge of the front lines. 

Here, near St. Mihiel, where until a short month ago the front 
line remained almost immovable for a period of four years, the 
French dugouts and posts of command are marvels of comforts, 
considering conditions. Electric lights, shower baths, and com- 



186 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

fortable beds are in evidence. From the lips of the old French non- 
com, who now acts as town-major and sole inhabitant of Les 
Paroches, we hear of white table cloths, silverware, wine and 
champagne that graced the tables of the French officers' mess in 
by-gone days. In fact, if we can believe our French comrade, visits 
to these parts by relatives and sweethearts were not at all uncom- 
mon in the days of stabilized warfare. 

Our visits to St. Mihiel seem to indicate that the Germans were 
wont to make themselves equally as comfortable. Here again 
many of the comforts of civilization were to be seen and many of the 
trenches occupied by the troops were constructed of solid con- 
crete." 

A tragic accident marked the first day of the 313th Infantry in its new sector. 
Two officers, Captain Timothy L. Barber, Medical Corps, and Captain Melvin 
M. Augenstein, Dental Corps, were reconnoitering some old German mine galleries 
neai' the Second Battalion P. C, in search of a location for a first-aid station. 
Captain Barber accidentally dropped a match which set fire to a large ciuantity 
of flares and other pyrotechnics left behind by the enemy, and both officers were 
so badly burned that they died a few days later." 

From the moment that the 157th Brigade took over the Une of resistance it 
was apparent that the Germans were not going to let the sector remain a cjuiet 
one. On the first night in the C6tes de Meuse, the lines were treated to a vigor- 
ous bombardment consisting of both shell fire and gas, the incident bringing forth 
the ability of First Sergeant John L. Brace, of Company "B", 311th Machine Gun 
Battalion,'^ which unit had placed six guns in outpost positions at Fresnes en 
Woevre.'- In the absence of the platoon commander. Sergeant Brace, "during 
exceedingly heavy shell fire of both explosives and gas, continually visited the 
guns, thereby stimulating the morale of the men and showing exceptional brav- 

gj.y "15 

On the night of October 8-9, the 313th Infantry, under instructions con- 
tained in Field Order No. 14, 79th Division, ^^ relieved the French battalion in 
the zone of observation on its front, and the following night, pursuant to the same 
field order, the 316th effected a similar relief in the right sector.'" Beginning on 
the night of October 9-10 also, the 26th Division artillery was relie\'ed by the 
55th Artillery Brigade, of the Thirtieth Division, which, as directed in Field Or- 
der No. 15, 79th Division, completed taking over the sector at 8h, October 12, 
and thereupon became attached to the Seventy-ninth Division.'' Also, on Oc- 
tober 10, all daylight traffic was prohibited in that part of the sector lying behind 
the line of Mouilly and Dompierre-aux-Bois save by single vehicle, and traffic 
behind that line was allowed to consist of not more than ten wagons in a single 
convoy. Beyond the line running from Mesnil to Thillot, which meant in ad- 
vance of the hills containing the line of resistance, no daylight traffic of any nature 
was ijerniitted.'* 

The 304th Engineers, relieved of duty with the Third Division in the Mont- 
faucon area, marched via Souhesme, Lenimes and Vadelaincourt to Ancemont 
on the Meuse, and thence southward to Tilly sur Meuse, arriving in the area on 
October 10." The three companies of the 304th Ammunition Train, then with the 



THE TROYON SECTOR 



187 



Division, and the balance of the 304th Sanitary Train moved in from Dombasle 
and Clair Chenes about the same time, so that the Division, as it had been consti- 
tuted in the Avocourt-Malancourt sector, Init with a different artillery brigade, 
was reassembled in the new sector l)j' October Vl. 

The original infantry brigades had been reconstituted under Field Order No. 
17, 79th Division, of October 10, which provided that General Nicholson, of the 
157th Brigade, should take over subsector Connecticut, with the 313th Infantry 
in the line and the 314th Infantry in reserve "for training," while the 158th Bri- 
gade should take over the ^lassachusetts subsector with the 31fith Infantry in 




"**«.&> ,'• 



iEjB. 



Barber Shop in the Troton Sector. 

the line and the 315th Infantry "in training."-" This order required only one 
regiment to change its position, the 314th, which, between Octol)er 11 and 13, 
moved from the vicinity of Rupt-devant-St. Mihiel to the vicinity of Ambly, 
with one battalion east of the Meuse in Ranzieres, and the other battalions west 
of the river at Tilly-sur-Meuse and Recourt. Here it resumed its training sched- 
ule.^"^ As Colonel Oury, commanding the 314th Infantry, was transferred with 
his regiment to the 157th Brigade, the command of the 158th Brigade devolved 
upon Colonel Knowles of the 315th Infantrj'. In the absence of Colonel Knowles, 
Major Francis V. Lloyd assumed cormnand and of the 315th Infantry. 

The Seventy-ninth Division passed officially to the newly constituted Second 
American Army, commanded by Major General Robert L. BuUard, on October 



188 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



12, this army taking over "that portion of our front extending from Port sur Seille, 
east of the Moselle, to Fresnes-en-Woevre, southeast of Verdun. "^^ Fresnes-en- 
Woevre was in the northeast corner of the Seventy-ninth Division front, making 
the Division the northernmost in General BuUard's new organization. 

The enemy evidently feared a renewal of the attack along this front, and 
used every effort to keep the Seventy-ninth Division well back from his lines by 
continual artillery fire. The original field order, taking over the sector, had men- 
tioned that while the opposing line was held by a second or third rate German 
division which was uniformly unsuccessful in raiding, yet the German artillery 
was active, "especially on the towns in the Zone of Observation."^ This was soon 
found to be very true. Night after night the towns along the hills and in the 
plains — Fresnes-en-Woevre, Tresauvaux, Saulx-en-Woevre, Hannonville, Herbeu- 
ville, Combres, Wadonville-en-Woevre, and Mesnil-sous-les-Cotes — would be 
drenched with gas and raked with shrapnel and high explosive, which inflicted 




Church at Gercourt, Defended with Barbed Wire 

many casualties. Although the losses were light compared with the casualties of 
the battles before and after, still the "quiet sector," took its sizable toll. 

The roads near the front, particularly those leading down into the plain, were 
watched carefully by the enemy and no living thing could move upon them with- 
out drawing shell fire. The supply wagons and trucks, especially, experienced 
difficulty in going to and from the front. Although this transportation only moved 
singly and at night, the Boche seemed to have an uncanny knack of shelling the 
roads at the summit of the hills in the line of resistance at such hours with both 
high explosives and gas. Every night, carrying details met the supply trucks and 
"took great burdens of rations and supplies by hand from the top of the cliffs down 
the steep and winding paths to the plains below and then for a long perilous trip 
out over the plains, along the shelled roads and through the soft marshy lowlands" 
to the men in the outposts.^' 

Another extract from Captain Wright's diary gives us the following interest- 
ing description of life in the Troyon sector as viewed from the line of resistance: 



THE TROYON SECTOR 



189 



"Perched up here, above the village of St. Maurice, in a rustic 
German villa that formerly served as head-quarters for a Brigade 
Commander, we are occupying the most picturesque sector we have 
yet struck. Stretching away to the East lies the broad, flat plain 
of the Woevre. Six kilometers away rises a misty line of hills 
which mark the main German line of defense. Thirty kilometers 
east of these hills Metz with its immense fortifications. 

By day, the low-lying expanse of the Woevre lies in solemn 
stillness, no life or movement visible on its broad surface. At 
night, however, when Becker, Mitchell (the Y. M. C. A.) repre- 
sentative and I gather on the porch for observation and a discrete 
cigarette, there comes a miraculous change. Star-shells, red, green, 
yellow and white rise in rajiid succession and throw their weird 




315th Ambulance Go's Dressing Station at Les Eparges. 
This section received a severe gassing Oct. 14, 1918. 

light over the plain below. Suddenly, far back of the Boche line, 
an orange flash stabs the darkness momentarily. Then comes an 
instant's silence, followed by a low whine which mounts into a cres- 
cento scream as an Austrian shell goes hurtling past our villa and 
bursts with a resounding crash at the cross-roads a half a mile 
or more behind us. 

Meanwhile the German planes drone ceaselessly overhead 
and we get faint echos of an occasional snuttering machine gun 
fire which we surmise represents some kind of linsion signal." 

The most serious incident of gas shelling during the entire period of the occu- 
pation took place on the night of October 14, when the dressing station and billets 



190 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

established by Ambulance Company 315, 304th Sanitary Train, at Les Eparges, 
were subjected to a severe gas bombardment. There were not many wounded 
men in the station at the time, but the entire personnel of the Ambulance Com- 
pany was caught unawares and had a narrow escape. Captain Daniel B. Wil- 
liams, Medical Corps, commanding the company, although himself gassed, "re- 
mained at this post and evacuated to safety all the wounded," saving many lives 
"by his example and prompt action."-^ The same courageous conduct was dis- 
played by First Lieutenants Jesse C. Stilley and James L. Brennan, both of the 
Medical Corps, and on duty at the station, the latter being slightly gassed.^* 
Private 1st cl Carl C. Kidd, "after assisting in placing gas masks on the wounded 
men in the dressing station, exposed himself many times by going to the dugouts 
occupied by his comrades to make certain that they had been warned of the pres- 
ence of gas."^'* While moving into Hannonville, eighty-five men of the 316th 
Infantry, under Lieutenant Dwight C. Cook, were put out of action by enemy 
shells. 

Reconnaissance patrols provided the most thrilling activity for the 313tli 
and 316th Infantry. The Boche was suspected of digging tank traps, machine 
gun emplacements, trenches, and all other styles of defensive fortifications, and 
detailed information was desired. Every night picked men, from the two regi- 
ments in the line, crept out into the perilous darkness of "No Man's land" to 
gain information of the enemy's locations and plans of defense, and, perhaps, to 
bump into an invisible foe. Through the constant and daring work of the scouts, 
the enemy was kept constantly worried and harassed, and valuable information 
of his positions obtained. Combat patrols, which covered the entire front, in- 
flicted severe casualties upon the German outposts and patrols which they en- 
countered. Several commendations were issued by the Division to patrol leaders 
during this period. One went to Corporal Edward T. Leary, Company "K", 
313th Infantry, in charge of a liaison patrol on the right flank of his company. 
On the night of October 13 it was reported that the Germans intended a raid. 
The liaison patrol went out and was caught in a violent barrage, notwithstanding 
which Corporal Leary "continued through and kept up communication with the 
units on his right. "^^ One of the patrols, under Lieutenant Mowry E. Goetz, 
Regimental Intelligence Officer of the 316th Infantry,-^ on the night of October 
16 "worked its way to a point about 300 meters north of the St-Hilaire-Doncourt 
road and remained in observation for two hours. "-^ It heard what it believed to 
be a narrow gauge railroad in operation, as well as a heavy drop forge or me- 
chanical unloading device to the east.-^ 

On this same night the Germans made an attempt to penetrate the line of 
the 313th Infantry and gain some information regarding the newcomers in the 
sector. The enemy selected a point on the observation line held by a half -platoon 
of "K" Company under command of Sergeant Gideon J. Jessup, who maintained 
his position during a preceding barrage.^^ The Boche, creeping forward through 
the night, were discovered by Private 1st cl Frederick J. Mehle, a sentinel in the 
farthest outpost. Private Mehle permitted the patrol to file past him and then 
opened fire with his automatic rifle, killing the patrol leader. ^^ Sergeant Jessup 
and his men also directed their fire on the spot and the Germans retreated in con- 



THE TROYON SECTOR 191 

fusion.^^ One prisoner was taken. He was discovered in front of the outpost by 
Corporal James A. Waldron, wlio leaped out and subdued him.-- The prisoner 
was sent back to Captain Spencer Roberts, Division G-2 and tliere exanained. 
He said he was from the 1st Company, 82nd Regiment, 13th Division of Land- 
wehr, and had been a member of a patrol of sixteen men, under an acting officer, 
sent out at 23h 30 to find out if Fresnes-en-Woevre was occupied. The prisoner 
declared that the acting officer had been killed and that he had become detached 
from the patrol before he could retreat with it.-^ 

The front line regiments, under instructions of Field Order No. 22, dated 
October 16, were holding the observation line very lightly.-^ But one company 
was used in each of the four sub-sectors, about one-half of the company furnish- 
ing the advanced post (petit postes) and the other half constituting the "Grand 
Guards," or line of resistance for the outpost.^' The entire Division front was 
extended, beginning the night of October 17 and concluding the morning of October 
19, under directions contained in Field Order No. 23, 79th Division, issued October 
17.^ The new sector taken over (Thillot) lay adjacent to the original sector on 
the right, and had been occupied by the 13tli French Cuirassiers a Pieds, of the 
Second French Cavalry Division.-^ Under the Field Order, the Third Battalion, 
316th Infantry, passed from support in the old iMassachusetts sector to the zone 
of observation in the Thillot sector, holding liaison witli the Second Battalion, 
316th Infantry, to the north, and with the 39th French Division on the south. 
The relief in the zone of observation was completed on the night October 17-18, 
and on the next night the Third Battalion, 315th Infantry, marched in from Boque- 
mont, to the line of resistance.-' At the same time, the 312th Machine Gun 
Battalion relieved the 310th Machine Gun Battalion, which had been supporting 
the 316th Infantry. Companies "A" and "D" of the relieving battalion took 
over defensive positions in the line of observation with their platoons at Wadon- 
ville-en-Woevre, Saulx-en-Woevre, Avillers and Thillot-sous-les-Cotes, and Com- 
panies "B" and "C" occu])ied the line of resistance.^ The front of the Thillot 
sector was of about two kilometers, naaking the total Division frontage after 
October 18 about eleven kilometers. 

A platoon of "D" Company, 312th Machine Gun Battalion, had been es- 
tablished near Saulx-en-Woevre only a day when the Germans, on October 18, 
sent over a patrol of one officer and eight men, which ran into the advance ob- 
servation post at 50.9-54.45 and was stopped.^' Corporal Henry E. Cruse, of 
the Machine Gun Battalion, advanced in front of the line, "armed with a pistol 
only," and captured one of the raiders.''- This captive turned out to be a private 
of the 12th Company, 3rd Battalion, 51st Regiment, 35th Austro-Hungarian 
Division. He gave some interesting particulars regarding the German outpost 
line in the vicinity of St. Hilaire, and also said that his division had suffered severe 
casualties during the American drive on St. Mihiel, his own battalion receiving 
replacements consisting mainly of Roumanians.'' Confirmation of this latter 
fact came before dawn when two Roumanians, who had deserted, were picked up 
by the outposts and taken to the Intelligence Section where they said several 
others of their countrymen were waiting for a chance to do the same.'' 



192 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



October 19 was quiet, that is, quiet for the Troyon sector. There was fre- 
quent shelling and some gas, but no untoward excitement until the morning of 
October 20 when the outpost companies of the 313th Infantry, on the left flank 
of the front, noted considerable activity within the German lines. A report of 
this was made and was embodied in the Summary of Intelligence of that day:'* 

"Judging from the increased activity of the enemy opposite 
Fresnes, it is the opinion of the officers of our units holding that 
sector that there are new troops opposite them who are endeav- 
oring to draw our fire in order to locate our positions. Presumed 




BocHE Prisoner who Deserted to oub Lines. 
This prisoner stated that he had heard rumors that the American Army fed its prisoners well, 
and that several of his friends were going to desert that night because of bad conditions 

in their regiment. 

enemy battle order from the extreme left to the extreme right of 
our sector: Unknown Division, 13th Landwehr Division (Fourth 
class); 24th Landwehr (?) Division (Fourth Class) 35th Austro- 
Hungarian Division." 

On the night of the 20th of October a heavy barrage was placed on the 313th 
Infantry front, but nothing further developed. The following morning, at 7h 30, 
a deserter from the 82nd Regiment, of the 13th Landwehr Division, surrendered 
to a front line platoon and identified a new unit in the hostile line as the 23rd 



THE TROYON SECTOR 193 

Regiment of the 3rd Bavarian Division, which had hitherto been in reserve.^^ 
Shortly after noon on October '21 two German observation balloons went up in 
the vicinity of Darmont and Ville sur Yron,'* and uncertainty as to German 
purposes led to the issuance of Field Order No. 24, 79th Division, which directed 
the strengthening of the front line.'^ It stated:'' 

"From movements in the vicinity of Etain and further large 
movements on our enemy front, it would appear that the enemy 
is strengthening his sector in front of us. This is further con- 
firmed by possible registration fire on the sector on our left and 
by the entrance of a new regiment and possibly a division to the 
left of the Troyon sector." 

The First Battalion and the Machine Gun Company, of the 314tli Infantry, 
were ordered to Mouilly to report to the 157th Brigade as brigade reserve, and 
the Second Battalion to report to the 158tli Brigade as brigade reserve. The 
Third Battalion were directed to the cover of woods two and one-half kilometers 
east of Troyon. The First Battalion and Machine Gun Company, of the 315th 
Infantry, was instructed to march to Troyon and there receive further orders, 
and the Second Battalion to move to Woimbey as Division Reserve. '^ 

At 17h 20, Colonel Ross, Chief of Staff, despatched a courier to the loStli 
Brigade with the following message:'* 

"I want you to send me a motorcyclist who knows the way to 
your new post. There has been a large movement of troops no- 
ticed in this direction. We are going to bring up the other troojjs as 
soon as we can. The General says that your front line must hold." 

Both the 314th and the two battalions of the 315th were under way shortly 
before dark. The 314th arrived at its various battalion destinations between 
midnight and 2h, October 22.^1 The Sloth's two battalions, having less of a 
march, arrived in position before midnight.''^ The whole Division was on the 
"alert" but nothing of consequence happened save an unusually heavy shelling, 
during which a total of 1467 shells fell in the area.'^ Of it the Summary of In- 
telligence of the day says:''' 

"The artillery activity of the enemy showed a sharp increase 
during the night heavy shelling with both gas and H. E. was laid 
in our forward area." 

Under cover of this fire, the Germans sent out a single patrol in each brigade 
sector. The one on the south was reported fired on outside the wire at 53.0-53.1," 
while the one to the north ran into a half platoon of Company "L", 313th Infan- 
try, under Sergeant Cameron R. Butt, and was repulsed with casualties.-' That 
same night Private John Thompson, of Company "M", 313th Infantry, disting- 
uished himself by carrying messages between his Company P. C. and the buzzer 
station at Fresnes-en-Woevre, despite the shell fire.^' 

Before daybreak, when it was pretty well established that if there was un- 
usual movement in the German line, it simply meant a division was being re- 
lieved, Field Order No. 26, 79th Division, was issued.'^ It directed that "the 
troops who moved pursuant to Field Order No. 24 will be marched back to their 



194 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Major General Joseph E. Kuux. 



THE TROYON SECTOR 195 

original positions of rest. These movements will commence as soon as possible. "'' 
In comformity therewith, the 314th Infantry started the return trip at 13h 10 and 
reached Tilly and vicinity at about 22h 30.^' The 315th Infantry was back in 
its billets by noon of October 23." 

The most determined effort at raiding of the entire period was made by the 
Germans facing the 316th Infantry before dawn on the morning of October 23. 
From information later obtained, it was apparently a joint effort aimed simul- 
taneously at two points — Wadonville-en-Woevre and Doncourt-aux-Templiers, 
both in the outpost line of the observation zone. At Doncourt, Company "I", 
316th Infantry, suspected something would happen from the fact that the wire 
'entanglements around the post had been cut the night before. Lieutenant George 
I>. Bliss, commanding the platoon, left an ambush patrol ahead of the town and 
withdrew the balance to a safe distance. As expected, the Germans came over, 
opening their attack with hand grenades upon an empty post. They were en- 
filaded by the ambush patrol and the automatic rifles of the Americans killed 
four and wounded others, driving the patrol back in confusion.'^ 

The attack on Wadonville, launched at 5h, was a complete surprise. It was 
preceded by a heavy barrage of fifteen minutes duration. The platoon of "G" 
Company, 316th Infantry, on duty there, withdrew to dugouts to avoid the shell 
fire. Above the shelling they heard a cry, "Everybody out — Germans in the 
village — everybody out." The dugout door was thrown open and immediately 
hand grenades were thrown into the room, woimding thirteen men.'' The un- 
wounded Americans rushed for the door. The first man out was Private 1st cl 
John T. Campbell. He was immediately seized by two of the enemy. In a des- 
perate struggle Campbell freed himself,^" and his companions, swarming forth 
after him, "scattered the raiders like a cyclone. "'' One of the enemy was killed 
and one taken prisoner. The prisoner said that an Austrian had done the shout- 
ing and that the raiders were from the 51st Regiment, 35th Austrian Division. 
He gave the following detailed statement of the events leading up to the attack :*' 

"At 3h his entire company of about 85 men left their reserve 
position about 3 km. in rear of their front lines and proceeded to 
their line of outposts. At a signal of three shots the company 
started over their line for Wadonville. Two platoons of 18 to 25 
men each were sent ahead and the prisoner followed them as liai- 
son agent. The prisoner further states that during their advance 
se^'eral of their raiding party were killed by their own barrage." 

This was the last attempt at patroling or raiding detected by the Seventy- 
ninth Division while in the area. The shelling, however, continued without 
abatement during October 23. That night, in the northern sector, the German 
artillery located a section of Company "D", 311th Machine Gun Battalion, at 
Fresnes-en-Woevre, and for a time it looked as if it would wipe out guns and men. 
One shell struck a liea\'y Browning and turned it completely around, but the 
gunner. Private Joseph C. Shemela, stuck with his piece bravely.'^ Later that 
night, a Boche mail carrier, of the 365th Regiment Musketeers, lost his way and 
entered the 313th's line by mistake, being captured with glee by the infantrymen 
on outpost.^- Other prisoners that day included four deserters from the 439th 
Regiment, 94th Division.^^ 



196 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



In the meanwhile, on the morning of October 23, Division Headquarters at 
Troyon-sur-Meuse had received by courier Field Order No. 816, of the II Colonial 
Corps, announcing that the Seventy-ninth Division was to be relieved in the 
Troyon sector by the Thirty-third American Division, the relief to commence 
that night, and that the Seventy-ninth Division was to be assembled in the zone 
Dieue to be placed, after October 26, at the disposal of the First American Army.^ 
In compliance with this order. Field Order No. 26, 79th Division, of 12h, October 
23, repeated the information for the benefit of the units and prescribed the methods 
for the relief.^ 




Lt. Colonel John A. McKenna and Staff of 315th Field Hospital. 

During the occupation of the sector the troops behind the line and in the 
zones of observation and resistance had been threatened by influenza as well as 
artillery fire and gas, but the fight against the disease, which was then extracting 
a large toll in all the armies, could not be as spectacular as the battle with the 
Boche. A warning of the danger was issued in G-1 Order No. 25, of October 14, 
which stated;^* 

"Influenza at the present time is pandemic. This disease is 
causing a very high mortality rate among our own troops and 
those of our allies. It is of importance, not only on account of 
its immediate effects, but also for the reason that it predisposes 



THE TROYON SECTOR 197 

to, and is frequently followed by bronchitis, pneumonia and 
other respiratory complications. These complications have a very 
high mortality rate." 

The order further directed the company commanders to inspect each man 
in their commands at least once a day, to see that the living quarters were policed 
and kept clean, to keep close watch on shelters, food and clothing, and to report 
the first sign of a cold to a medical officer.^* With these precautions, the Division 
went through the epidemic with comparatively little sickness, although "most of 
the evacuations were cases of influenza and bronchitis. "^^ The period, as a whole, 
from a sanitary standpoint, was spoken of as one "very beneficial to the division."'" 

While in the Troyon sector, the Division was also occupied in strengthening 
the defensive positions. Each night working parties Avere sent forward to string 
wire and construct strong points. A continuous apron of wire entanglements 
was ordered placed fifty meters in front of the most advanced line. In rear of 
this the construction of strong points, comijletely protected by wire, was begun. 
The defensive system required also the preparation of machine-gun emplacements 
and a more elaborate trench system. These fortifications were laid along the 
ridge of hills, running from the village of St. JVI&urice-sous-les-Cotes northward 
to the town of Mesnil-sous-les-Cotes. The work for the most part was done by 
infantry details imder charge of officers, non-commissioned officers, or men of the 
304th Engineers.^' The work was both hazardous and nerve-racking, particularly 
in front of the outpost line, as any noise might draw enemy shell fire. The in- 
numerable star shells, which the enemy sent up over "No-Man's Land", made 
the details crouch Iom' and remain motionless until the glare left the sky. In one 
instance, the Germans located an infantry detail thus engaged and shelled it 
heavily, wounding a number of the men, including three of the engineer scjuad, 
one of whom. Sergeant Stephen J. Hanrahan, of Company "E", 304th Engineers, 
died subsequently from his injuries.'" 

Another of the tasks of the Engineers while in this sector was the inevitable 
repairing of roads. Besides mud-scraping, filling in of holes and construction of 
culverts, there was considerable cjuarrying to be done and some salvaging of 
engineer' equipment.^' Likewise, a sawmill was organized and operated at 
Rupt-en-Woevre, and some topographical work was accomplished in connection 
with the utilization of the 60 c-m railroad which had been tied up with the cap- 
tured German system after the St. Mihiel drive.^' 

The relief by the Thirty-third Division was carried on in conformity with a 
table accompanying Field Order No. 26. Units of the relieving division began to 
reach the lines on the night of October 23, and during two subsequent nights all 
of the Seventy-ninth Division infantry regiments and machine gun battalions 
passed back into the two areas they had occupied prior to taking over the sector. 
While in the areas behind Troyon the Division received its replacements. These 
replacements, 2200 in number, had been waiting for some time to join the various 
units but had been held in isolation because of an epidemic of influenza and spinal 
meningitis in their midst. They were assigned to the regiments and battalions in 
proportionate numbers, and practically brought all elements up to prescribed war 
strength. Most of the men came from the far western and southern parts of the 



198 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



5)cv !3o(icii, nn> ficft bic T^ciitfAcn 

4 3al)rc lan(\ bcfiaiivtct Iwttcu, umrbc in 27 8tuii6en 

lUMi bcii '■Hmcrifaucrn ciiiiU'iiommeii. 




••••••a Ij^cDtu aui IJ, Scplt'Jiibci frn|). 



390 DiiafcrfftUioiuctcr tpurbcii crobcvt. 
I>it 3i>|)l bci -(ScfiiUQfiuu ijcUfitU 15 000. 

Allied Propaganda Dropped fhom oue Aeroplanes into German Lines. 

It states that while the German army spent four years defending the St. Mibiel Salient, it 

took the American army only 27 hours to cut it off. 



THE TROYON SECTOR 199 

United States and had had no infantry training whatever. Great numbers of 
them had never fired an army rifle. 

During the occupation of the Troyon sector there had lieen a number of 
changes in command. In the 313th Infantry, Colonel Sweezey had been evacuated 
with a high fever, following the strain of the Montfaucon campaign, and was suc- 
ceeded by Lieutenant Colonel AValter A. De Laniater, transferred from the Twenty- 
seventh Division. On October 15, however. Lieutenant Colonel DeLamater 
was transferred to Division Headquarters as G-1, and Lieutenant Colonel Charles 
B. Moore, former G-1, assigned as regimental commander.'^ Finally, on October 
26, Lieutenant Colonel Moore was transferred to Headquarters, First Army, 
being succeeded by Colonel William C. Rogers, former commander of Division 
Trains. ^^ In the S14th Infantry, Colonel Oury had returned to the command of 
his regiment with the re-establishment of the original brigade formation. Colonel 
Knowles also returned to the 315th Infantry on October 26, relinquishing the 
command of the 158th Brigade to Colonel George Williams, of the 316th Infantry.'^ 
The latter had assumed command of the 316th on October 20, succeeding Lieu- 
tenant Colonel Meador, who had commanded it after the evacuation of Colonel 
Charles.^ Lieutenant Colonel Barber had been promoted to Colonel and Divi- 
sion Engineer on October 16, retaining field command of the 304th Engineers.'*' 
vice Colonel James P. Jervay who had been transferred to the Chief of Engineer's 
Staff. Major Staurt S. Janney, of the 312th Machine Gun Battalion, had been 
transferred on October 26 to the 313th Infantry, and on October 31st was pro- 
moted to lieutenant colonel of that regiment. Major Samuel J. Taylor succeeded 
to the command of the machine gunners. 

The battle fatalities of the period from October 8 to October 27, when the 
last of the troops vacated Troyon, were small and confined chiefly to the four 
infantry regiments. Likewise, they were almost in all instances from shell fire. 
The losses by regiments of men killed in action or died of wounds, and the dates 
of the fatalities, were as follows; 

313th Infantry 
Company "B" Company "F" 

Bugler Edwin A. Shaw, Oct. 21 Private 1st cl Elmer E. McAuley Oct. 12 

Private Henry Thompason, Oct. 20 

Company "G" 
Company "C" Sergeant Robt. B. Atkinson, Oct. 28 

Private Abner W. Itnyre, Oct. 13 Corporal Wm. C. Stanton, Oct. 12 

Company "D" Company "L" 

Sergeant Leroy J. BruflF, Oct. 27 Sergeant Adolfo Salvadori, Oct. 13 

Private Joseph L. Moore, Oct. 20 

Supply Company 

Company "E" Wagoner William Kelly, Oct. 28 

Private Raymond G. Lewin, Oct. 12 

314.th Infantry 
Company "A" Company "D" 

Private Paul A. Jordan, Oct. 18 Private Mario Galli, Oct. 24 

Company "B" Supply Company 

Private Emmett H. Rhodes, Oct. 10 Private Charles M. Brophy, Oct. 25 



200 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



315th Infantry 
Company "A" Company "D" 

Corporal Angelo E. Crudele, Oct. 27 Corporal Stormonth Polock, Oct. 17 
Privates William I. Deardorff, Oct. 25 

Frank C. Richter, Oct. 24 Company "M" 

Private William A. Frey, Oct. 14 
Company "C" 
Privates Guiseppe DiBenedetto, Oct. 28 
Michael D. Vicchia, Oct. 17 

316th Infantry 
Company "A" Company "F" 

Privates Isadore Friedman, Oct. 21 Private Joe E. McLaughlin, Oct. 10 

William Hopkins, Oct. 23 

Company "G" 
Company "B" Corporal Harry L. Yingling, Oct. 17 

Private Frank A. Grogan, Oct. 23 Privates Jack Sarcona, Oct. 23 

Alfonso Tramontano, Oct. 24 




Camp des Moxthairons. 
Company "C" 






Privates Joseph A. Milano, Oct. 20 
Peter E. Mooney, Oct. 21 
George J. Wintz, Oct. 25 

Company "D" 
Private 1st cl Vincent Stellar, Oct. 16 
Private Walter F. Lawson, Oct. 17 



Company "E" 
Privates Charles C. Catron, Oct. 23 
Warren Fatzinger (?) 
Evert M. Jenkins, Oct. 27 



Company "H" 
Private Joseph Fineberg, Oct. 23 

Company "I" 
Privates William J. Sauer, Oct. 8 
Albert A. Turkan, Oct. 22 

Company "K" 
Corporal Ira J. Lannen, Oct. 15 



M. G. Co... 
Cook Elmer Brough 

The 314th Infantry, with battalions at Ranzieres, Tilly-sur-Meuse and Re- 
court, all in the reserve area, was the first to start for the zone Dieue. By 22h 
30 on October 24, the entire regiment, after an eleven kilometer hike northward, 
had reached Sommedieue, three kilometers east of the Meuse, where it occupied 
billets that "were filthy."** In view of the fact that it was expecting to move on 



THE TROYON SECTOR 



201 



Tvithout much delay, "no orders were given to clean them."*' The 31oth Infantry, 
which had been assembled during October '-2(5 at Camp Monthairons," swung out 
on a long northward hike at 18h that day, swerving slightly to the westward of 
the ^Nleuse, and at dawn entered the woods around Fromereville, which lay five 
kilometers due west of ^'erdun.*" From Camp Monthairons the same evening of 
October 26, the 316th Infantry also started on a long march which brought it 
after midnight into the amazing pile of ruins which once was Verdun. The 316th, 
with mingled feelings of awe, passed through the streets of the town where France 
had bled in answer to Petain's immortal words, "They shall not pass." The 
historian of the 316th Infantry thus describes Verdun as it appeared to the men 
of his regiment on that memorable night :^" 




UivibiuN Headquarters Dieue-sur Meuse Oct. 26-29, 1918. 

"Hushed — save for the clattering of hobnails on ringing cob- 
bles, the boom of a vagrant cannon, the crash of an occasional 
shell, and the solemn striking of the hour in the battered cathedral, 
invisible in the dark. Slowly the column wound its way between 
gaping houses, and all the usual grimness of a ruined city, past 
the still upright Hotel de Ville, and on into the massive citadel, 
the sheltered galleries and sturdy walls of which gave an unac- 
customed sense of security to men inured to shell-holes and de- 
ceptive dugouts. Once within, Verdun was no longer a "Holy 
of Hohes," but a place in which to stretch out and sleep." 

The final infantry regiment, the 313th, left Genicourt and les Monthairons on 
the afternoon of October 27 and, before dawn of October 28, also found billets 



202 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



within the citadel of the heroic city on the Meuse.*^ Likewise, the ShZih and 
311th Machine Gun Battalions had been sent to Verdun, arriving on October 26 
and 27, but the former pushed on, after only a night in the citadel, to the Bois de 
Forges, on the west bank of the Meuse opposite Consenvoye and went into bivouac 
there on the morning of October 28.'^^ That morning also two battalions of the 
316th Infantry encamped in the Bois de Forges after a night's march, one battalion 
remaining for a day in Verdun. The 310th Machine Gun Battalion, which had 
been bivouacking for several days at Rattentout, in the area beliindTroyon, marched 
on October 27 and reached the Bois de Forges on the night of October 28. ^^ Of 
the other Division units, the 304th Engineers had proceeded to Haudainville and 
Belleray, in the zone Dieue, arriving October ilo;^' the 304th Supi^ly Train had 
established headquarters at Dugny, five kilometers south of Verdun, on October 
25;^^ the three companies of the 304th Ammunition Train had gone to Bois Sec 




Main Street of Dugnt, our kail head during the Grande-Montagne Battle 

and Dugny on October 25;*^ the 304th Field Signal Battalion to Dugny," and the 
304th Sanitary Train to Ancemont. 

Division Headquarters had left Troyon-sur-Meuse at 7h, October 26, and 
reached Dieue-sur-Meuse that same day at lOh, the Division P. C. being at once 
set up.^ Dieue-sur-Meuse was directly across the river from Ancemont. As a 
result of all these movements, the Division, during October 26-28, was more 
widely scattered than it had been at any prior time in its history, barring, of course, 
the trip overseas. It was not to be so for long, however, as, at 16h, October 27, 
Field Order No. 28 was issued from Dieue-sur-]\Ieuse, announcing that on the 
nights of October 28 and 29, the Seventy-ninth Division would relieve the Twenty- 
ninth American Division in the sector Grande ]\Iontagne, "which is to the east of 
the Meuse, and N. E. of Brabant-sur-Meuse," and that later a portion of the 
Twenty-sixth American Division sector would be taken over.^' This time the 
Seventy-ninth Division knew it was again headed for action. 



CHAPTER VII 

THE MEUSE-ARGONNE— THIRD PHASE 

La Borne de Cornouiller (Hill 378) 

BETWEEN the time the Seventy-ninth Division left the INIeuse-Argonne 
front on September 30 until it received word on October '27 to re-enter the 
vast offensive, a great change had been wrought in the extended battle- 
line from the North Sea to Verdun. Ludendorff, beaten on every front by Amer- 
icans, British, French and Belgians, was attempting to withdraw his armies from 
Northern France and Flanders and fall back as deliberately as possible to suc- 
cessive positions, hoping thus "to keep the Allied armies out of Germany at least 
until the spring."' His plan was a slow retirement to the Meuse River, along the 
line of which, from Verdun on northward, he hojjed to make "a prolonged stand. "^ 
This monster retreat had begun to the far northwest — from the Belgian coast 
and Flanders — in the first week of October,- and by the middle of the month 
the enemy was falling back rai)idly honi the British front to Rheims.^ But, 
coupled with this extensive withdrawal, it was imperative for its success that the 
First American Army should be frustrated in its dash to close the neck of tlie 
bottle before the northern territory could be evacuated.^ Hence, from the very 
beginning, there was no thought of retreat from the Kriemhilde-Stcllung line, 
and the First American Army was compelled "to fight hard for every yard of 
ground."' 

Despite the resistance, the Americans had been successful on the entire front 
from Verdun to the Argonne. The second phase of the Meuse-Argonne battle, 
opening on October 4, had seen the Argonne cleared, the Kriemhilde-Stellung line 
broken in the centre by October 14,* and a total advance of twenty-one kilo- 
meters effected by October 27.* The objective was still the Carignan-Sedan- 
Mezieres Railroad to the north,' while the enemj', swinging back from the terri- 
tory he had occupied for four years, was carrying on a vast hinge-like movement 
which pivoted on the strong hill positions centering on la Borne de Cornouiller. 
three kilometers east of the Meuse and nineteen kilometers north of Verdun.* 
"East of the Meuse," says General Pershing in his final report, "the dominating 
heights not only protected his, the enemy's, left, but gave him positions from which 
powerful artillery could deliver an oljlique fire on the western bank."^ The ef- 
fectiveness of that fire, first demonstrated on the second day of the first phase of 
the Meuse-Argonne,'" had been practically continuous from then on, the First 
Army Divisions on the immediate western bank of the Meuse, particularly, hav- 
ing been subjected to it during every foot of their advance. As the offensive 
continued northward, there was immediate realization of "the murderous handi- 

(203) 



204 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



cap of a force advancing on exposed slopes on one bank of a river, with its flank 
at right angles to the other bank held by the enemy far back of its reserves. "'' 
The result was the opening, on October 8, of a new operation having a dual pur- 
pose — to drive the enemy from the commanding heights and to "force him to use 
troops there and weaken his tenacious hold on the front west of the Meuse."* 

The operations were entrusted to a French Corps, with a French commander. 
Major General Claudel, but part of the First American Army, and with two 
American divisions, the Twenty-ninth and Thirty-third, participating in the 
initial stages.'^ The attack was launched "against the exact point upon which 
the German armies must pivot in order to withdraw from northern France."* 
From then on developed "a separate battle, so influential in the fortunes of the 
main battle, which has never received its share of credit."" The Germans held 
a system of hills extending from the line of the old forts of Verdun, east of Saniogn ■ 
eux, on the Meuse, clear north to la Borne de Cornouiller and beyond. It 




304 ENGINEERS! 



The now familiar Type of Trench in the Region of Verdun. 

formed "the walls of a bowl, which the French Corps, the 'XVII', in a fan-shaped 
movement was to ascend."" On the morning of October 8, the Twenty-ninth 
Division leaped forward to the attack, as the westernmost of the XVII Corps, 
and with the Eighteenth French Division on its right and the Twenty-sixth French 
Division as the eastern flank. The Twenty-ninth Division struck due north, 
the Eighteenth French north by east, and the Twenty-sixth French east by north. 
At the same time, the Thirty-third American Division, on the west bank of the 
Meuse, crossed the stream at Forges, north of Samogneux, and joined up with 
the Twenty-ninth on the west.'^ With that movement, the Thirty-third Divi- 
sion passed to the French Corps." Both American divisions made an advance of 
three miles and then dug in to allow the divisions on the right to come up.^^ On 
October 10 the Corps made a desperate attempt to capture Sivry-sur-Meuse, 
five kilometers further up the stream, and storm la Borne de Cornouiller, and came 
within a mile of the objectives before being stopped." The cost of the attack 
had been terrific." From then on, the Thirty-third Division, which had been 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



205 



engaged in constant fighting since September 26, made no more efforts to advance, 
holding its positions until relieved on October 21 by the Fifteenth French Divi- 
sion.'' Thence it passed back to the zone Dieue, eventually to relieve the Seventy- 
ninth Division in the Troyon sector. Local operations by the Twenty-ninth 
Division, from October 10 to 12, enlarged its holdings somewhat to the north-east, 
and on October 15 and 16 progress was made across MoUeville Farm and into the 
lower part of the Bois de la Grande Montague.'^ The Twenty-sixth American 
Division entered the line on the right of the Twenty-ninth on October 23, reliev- 
ing the Eighteenth French Division, and an attack on October 24 brought the 
Twenty-ninth to the Etraye ridge, on the eastern side of its sector, and took the 




The CoNSENvoYK-EiKAi t. ui/.u) aiju;\u uurii Liih VLiiii Division relieved the fkdnt unit;* 
OF THE 29th Division— Oct. 28-29, 1918. 

Twenty-sixth into Belleu Bois.^'' This woodland stronghold was twice taken and 
then evacuated because of the terrible shell fire, and, on October 26, after two 
days of sanguine fighting, the Yankee Division was not yet in full possession of 
it.^' Since October 8, the XVII French Corps had broken through the Brabant- 
Stellung, Hagen-Stellung and Volker-Stellung lines for a distance of eight kilo- 
meters east of the Meuse, and was now facing the strongest defenses of all — the 
Etzel-Stellung and Kriemhilde-Stellung lines, consisting of a continuous band of 
resistance five kilometers in depth. -^ 

Such was the situation east of the Meuse on October 27, when Field Order 
No. 28, 79th Division, announced that the Seventy-ninth was to relieve the 
Twenty-ninth Division with the 158th Infantry Brigade on the night of October 



206 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



28-29.-' The XVII French Corps had calcidated the rehef with care, the move- 
ments prehminary thereto liaving lieen worked out with the order of October 22, 
which had ordered the Division from Troyon to be "within the 26th October 
12h, at the disposition of the First Army, IT. S."" Under the Corps' plan, an 
indication of which was given in a confident'al memorandum to Seventy-ninth 
Division Headciuarters on October 24,^^ the 157tli Infantry Brigade was to reheve 
the left brigade of the Twenty-sixth American Division, enabling this latter bri- 
gade, in turn, to relieve the Twenty-sixth French Division by extending its front 
further to the south. ^^ The operations then under way by the Yankee Division 
in Belleu Bois prevented the entire relief from being carried on at one time. Con- 




Ox THE WAY UP TO OUR NEW POSITIONS Wl. I A-,-1,1-' lilt ijLb THE\. H SYSTEMS OF THE VeRDUN SaLIENT. 

sequently. General Order No. 842, "XVII" Corps, the document upon which 
Field Order No. 28, 79th Division, was based, said:^^ 

"One Brigade of the 79th Division (158th Brigade) will re- 
lieve, during the nights from the 28th to the 29th and from the 
29th to the 30th, the six battalions of the 29th Division in first 
line and in support in the present Divisional Sector. The other 
Brigade, 157th, will be pushed as Division Reserve in the region 
Brabant (where the P. C. of Brigade, of one regiment and of the 
Army Corps will be located). Bois de Forges wood (head- 
ciuarters of one regiment and three battalions.) The going in 
line of a part of the elements of that Brigade in the northern por- 
tion of the present sector of the 26th Division, A. E. F., will be 
settled in a later order." 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



207 




Aeroplane oblique view of Consenvote taken Sept. 17. 1918, while the Boche were 

still in the ^^ll.4ge. 



208 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



On October 27, after a bitter struggle, the Yankee Division completed the 
conquest of most of Belleu Bois, an achievement announced by a secret memoran- 
dum. No. 738 s-3, "XVII" Corps, which pointed out that "to avoid a relief in 
the midst of the reaction occasioned by the attack, it seems prudent to postpone 
the attack on Ormont woods by some days" and the attack "will be made by the 
79th Division infantry."^' The same day. Secret Order No. 740 s-3 was sent by 
Corps to the Seventy-ninth Division, ordering the 157th Brigade to take over the 
sector "in the region Bois Belleu-Bois d'Ormont," on the night of October 31- 
November 1.°' Field Order No. 30, 79th Division, developed from the Corps 
order just mentioned, was issued October 30,^^ at a time when the first stage of the 
relief by the 158th Brigade had been completed. 




Street in 15kabant-Sur-Meuse wheke Our Axial Road lekt the Meuse and led us up 
OVER THE Hill into the Open and into Direct Sight of the Enemy. 

OflBcers of the 316th Infantry had gone forth from the Bois de Forges on the 
afternoon of October 28 to reconnoiter the sector to be taken over,^" and that 
evening the regiment filed out, heading northwest to Gercourt and then swerving 
due east to the Meuse, opposite Consenvoye. From the highlands to the north- 
east the German heavies were dropping shells dangerously near a long wooden 
bridge that led over the stream. The 316th crossed, met guides in the ruins of 
Consenvoye, went stumbling up a dark road between firing batteries, felt the 
earth shuddering to the enemy high explosives, groped its way off the road and 
into a woods and found its positions, taking over a sector 1,800 meters in length^' 
(sub-sector Blue).^' That same night Companies "C" and "D", 312th Machine 
Gun Battalion, moved out from the Bois de Forges and followed the 316th, re- 
lieving Twenty-ninth Division machine gun units in sub-sector Blue, gun for gun.'* 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



'209 




The Brabant-Etraye Road — The south edge of Consewoye Woods still under intense 

shell fire. 





Box Barrage, evening of Oct. 30, 1918, on the edge of Bois de Consenvoye. Note del.\yed 

TRAFFIC AND OUR GUNS UNDER CAMOUPIAGE ON THE RIDGE 



210 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

On the next morning, October 29, oflBcers of the 315th Infantry reconnoitered 
the new sector, the regiment having marched from Fromereville to the Bois de 
Forges on the night of October 28-29.'^ That night the balance of the rehef was 
carried out. The 315th marched into position by a different route, crossing the 
Meuse on a narrow footbridge to Brabant, and thence northeastward over a wind- 
ing road to the Bois de Consenvoye. It was after midnight before it had com- 
pleted the taking over of sub-sector Gray, lying to the right of that of the 316th. '^ 
The same night the remaining two companies of the 312th Machine Gun Battal- 
ion ("A" and "B") also left the Bois de Forges, "A" Company going into a re- 
serve position 500 meters south of Brabant, on the Brabant-Samogneux road, 
and "B" Company, leaving six guns in reserve at Brabant, following the 315th 
up through the Bois de Consenvoye to take over a position in the Bois d'Etraye.'^ 
The 158th Brigade Headquarters were established at 24.6-79.3, about three kilo- 
meters due south of the centre of the front line of the brigade sector,'^ and there, 
on the morning of October 30, reported to the new brigade commander. Brigadier 
General Evan M. Johnson,^^ upon whose arrival Colonel George Williams returned 
to the 316th Infantry. The relief had been completed in scheduled time. 

Meanwhile, in conformity to the tables of movem.ents for the 157th Brigade, 
as contained in Field Order No. 28, the 314th Infantry had started north from the 
region of Sommedieue on the evening of October 28, continuing by long stages 
' until, between 23h, October 29, and Ih, October 30, the three battalions had 
reached the Bois de Forges.^' The 313th Infantry, on October 29, moved out 
from Verdun and occupied French camps in three woods a short distance north 
of the city, remaining there until the night of October 30.^ 

The advance echelon of Division Headquarters, moving forward from Dieue- 
sur-Meuse, was established at Vacherauville, seven kilometers north of Verdun 
and on the east bank of the Meuse, at 8h, October 29, while the rear echelon moved 
north from Dieue-sur-Meuse to Dugny.^' Twenty-four horn's later, at 8h, October 
30, General Kuhn ofBcially took over the command of the fornier Twenty-ninth 
Division sector,^^ issuing Field Order No. 30, and the next night the 157th Bri- 
gade proceeded to the relief of the northern sector of the Twenty-sixth Division, 
as prescribed, the Brigade P. C. being established at 26.0-76.7, a half kilometer 
northeast of Samogneux.^^ The 314th Infantry, marching from the Bois de Forges, 
crossed the Meuse and continued on a five hour hike, finally taking over the north- 
ern part of the assigned sector from Belleu Bois to Bois des Chenes,^" while the 
313th proceeded north along the Meuse from the vicinity of Verdun to the Cote 
de Roches, north of Samogneux, where one battalion went into the line in the 
Bois d'Ormont.^' The 311th Machine Gun Battalion had left Bois Bourrus on the 
night of October 30 and had crossed the Meuse into the Cote de Roches where, 
the next night, Company "C" took over a front line position in the Bois des 
Chenes, the remaining companies staying for the time being on the Cote de Roches.*^ 
The relief by the 157th Brigade also had been completed "per schedule." 

The Corps Order of October 26 had provided that "all the miscellaneous 
elements of the 79th Division; such as Sanitary Train, Field Signal Battalion, 
Supply Train, etc., will couple themselves fiirst with the similar elements of the 
29th Di^asion."''^ The whole movement was carried out in a systematic and 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



211 




VaIIIERAVVILLE, a miNEU \ ILLACE THAT HAD HEEV IN' \o-Man's LaN'D, USED AS DIVISION' P.C. 
()c TciHEI! ;il TO De( EMBER '2fi. 1H18. 




French pontoon bridge across the Meuse connecting Regnenille and Samogneux. 



212 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




Charnt, a buined town, 7 Kilometers north of Verdun', used as a Regulating Station. 

satisfactory manner. The 304th Supply Train estabHshed an advance Regulating 
Station at Charny, a little over a kilometer south of Division P. C, but on the 
opposite shore of the Meuse, on October 28, the purpose being to fill the gap in 
liaison between the distributing points along the axial road from Samogneux to 
Brabant and the railhead at Dugny; to furnish hot food to all passing the point; 
to furnish emergency spare parts for vehicles; and to furnish medical first aid in 
case of necessity. ^^ The results "attained in traffic control through the medium 
of the Regulating Station were very gratifying. "^^ 

The 304th Engineers, leaving Haudainville and Belleray on the evening of 
October 28, reached Thierville, west of the Meuse and north of Verdun, before 
dawn of October 29. That evening the Second Battalion continued north, taking 
up position on the west shore of the river between Cumieres and Regneville, while 
the First Battalion, after spending twenty-four more hours in Thierville, finally 




ENGINEERS 



The Meuse Valley in Winter, near Regnevtlle. 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



213 




The Mecse River road just soi'th <iv Brabant. The quarry sheltered our Divisional 
Dressing Station, in thk early hays of oitr Grande Montagne Operitions. 




Another view of the Meuse, the Valley, and our Dressing Station. 



214 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

took over its position east of the Meuse and to the north of Samogneux on the 
night of October 30-3 1.« 

The 310th Machine Gun Battahon left the Bois de Forges on the night of 
October 31, passing through Regneville and crossing the Meuse to the reverse 
slope of C6te de Roches." The 304th Sanitary Train, less Field Hospital 313, 
which remained at Genicourt-sur-Meuse to take care of the normal sick of the 
Division, moved forward to Glorieux, one kilometer west of Verdun, where a gas 
hospital was estabhshed.^^ Ambulance Company 315 set up a dressing station on 
the Samogneux-Brabant road, and Ambulance Company 314 located a similar 
station on the road leading into the Bois de Consenvoye.^^ A station for slightly 
wounded was placed on the outskirts of Charny.^^ The relief was completed at 
8h, October 30.*' The three companies of the 304th Ammunition Train ("A", 
"B" and "G") moved up into the new area in late October, "G" Company hav- 
ing details at the division ammunition dumps, and the balance of "G" company 
and "A" and "B" Companies were assigned to the 304th Engineers.'*' The trucks 
of "A" and "B" Companies were in constant use carrying ammunition north- 
ward over the axial road. 

For the pending offensive, the artillery attached to the Division was the 
Fifty-second Artillery Brigade, of the Twenty-seventh American Division, Briga- 
dier General George Albert Wingate, commanding,*^ the Fifty-fifth Artillery Bri- 
gade having been left behind in the Troyon sector because of insufficient draft 
animals. 

With the relief completed, the Seventy-ninth Division found itself in a posi- 
tion, the plan of which might be likened to the cross section of a funnel, with the 
circular rim representing the front line and the axial road through Samogneux 
the narrow funnel mouth. The German positions circled from la Borne de Cor- 
nouiller on the north or left over a series of ridges toward the southeast, forming 
the rim of a bowl always higher than the body of the funnel. Part of this low 
land so encompassed was the ravine leading due east from Samogneux which 
had already been named "Death Valley" by the French during the Battle of 
Verdun long before the Seventy-ninth Division arrived. And never was name more 
apt. "Death Valley" is described most convincingly by Frederick Palmer, the 
war correspondent, as follows:*' 

"For five or six miles stretched an area of desolation without 
any billeting places where troops could rest, except a few rat-in- 
fested and odorous, moist dugouts and cellars, roofed by the de- 
bris of villages. The young soldier who was going under fire for 
the first time, as he marched forward past that grayish, mottled, 
hideous landscape, might see the physical results of war upon 
earth, trees and houses. When he came into Death Valley, he 
was to know its effects upon men. For two or three miles the 
road was always under shell fire. By day, visible to the enemy's 
observers, by night his gunners could be sure that guns registered 
upon it, if they fired into the darkness, would find a target on its 
congested reaches. It was inadequate to the traffic of the divi- 
sions engaged. Troops marching into battle must run its deadly 
gamut before they could deploy. It was the neck of the fan- 
shaped funnel of the battle line. Transport was halted by shell- 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



"215 




A French 15.5 m. m. operatp;!) by Amekk ax artillery men", .ust above Samooxeux Hill. 




De^vth Valley looking eas.! i uom Samog.neix Hill. Ix the distance both Hun and 

American B.vrrages mingle. In the foreground one of our Machine Gun Battalions 

prepared to leave its carts and go into action. 



216 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

torn cars and motor trucks and dead horses until they were re- 
moved, and by fresh craters from large calibres until they were 
refilled. There was no rest for the engineers; all the branches 
which were not ordinarily in the front line knew what it was to 
be under fire." 

The front of the entire "XVII" Corps was still spread out like a vast fan. 
Beginning at the Meuse, on the west flank, one kilometer south of Sivry-sur- 
Meuse, was the Fifteenth French Colonial Division. The axis of its sector ran 
east by north for a distance of four kilometers. On the right of it lay the 158th 
Brigade, holding a front facing the north, except on the extreme right where it 
began to curve to the southeast. Next in line was the 1.57th Brigade, facing al- 




P. C. OF THE 316th Ixfaxtrt in the Bois de Can'sen'voye, Oct. 28th-Nov. 4th. Later Ad- 
vance P. C. OF the 158th Infantry Brigade, Nov. 5th-10th. 

most due east, the two brigades thus occupying the quadrant of a circle, and hav- 
ing a front of slightly more than seven kilometers. Extending on southeastward 
from the right of the 157th Brigade lay the Twenty-sixth American Division, and 
still further south were two more French Divisions and the Eighty-first American 
Division, the latter being the far right flank of the Corps at Fresnes-en-Woevre, 
the southern limit of the First American Army.°" 

The French Corps commander had a dual objective in his planned offensive, 
but it was necessary to achieve the first before realizing the second. In other 
words, before striking across the plains of the Woevre into Germany, it was neces- 
sary to remove the menace of la Borne de Cornouiller. This hill, known to the 
French as la Borne de Cornouiller; on the American operation maps as Hill 378, 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



217 



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218 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

and to the American soldier as "Corn Willie Hill," guarded the valley roads lead- 
ing eastward to the plains of the Woevre and the German camps at Etraye, Re- 
ville and Ecurey, where the enemy had great numbers of troops, besides their 
railheads for supplies containing vast stores of material. It was a ridge or hog 
back, high and with a commanding elevation. Directly in front, the Meuse 
River made one of its characteristic bends and the ridge was so located that it 
gave a commanding sweep of the Meuse Valley, both up and down stream, for many 
kilometers. On account of these natural characteristics or advantages, the Ger- 
mans had thoroughly organized the hill and placed behind it their major heavy 
artillery. It was unquestionably the most important position and the center of 
the enemy artillery resistance east of the Meuse. From this commanding artil- 
lery position came most of the devastating flanking long range fire which was 
proving, and had from the beginning of the Meuse-Argonne proven, so disastrous 
to the advancing Divisions on the west. 

To the 158th Brigade fell the task of reducing la Borne de Cornouiller, while 
the 157th Brigade waited to participate in the drive for the Woevre plains when 
the hill was gained. The result was two distinct phases of the operation in la 
Grande Montague, as the region was known, and these operations must be treated 
separately. Leaving the 157th Brigade, then, with its lines established from north- 
west to southeast between Belleu Bois and the Bois d'Ormont, the description 
from now to the end of the chapter concerns entirely the northern thrust of Briga- 
dier General Johnson's command. 

The 158th Infantry Brigade, on the nights October 28-29 and 29-30, had 
taken over the most difficult front line ever assigned to it. The 316th Infantry, 
occupying the left sub-sector, held its frontal position on the northern outskirts 
of the Bois Plat Chene to the west and the southern outskirts of the Bois de la 
Grande Montague to the east. In front of it, on the extreme west was the upper 
end of a ravine, Vaux de Mille Mais, a branch of which, the Ravine de Moyement, 
jutted down into the regimental line. From the ravine the ground rose rapidly 
along the front, eastward, in a series of ridges until it culminated in Hill 370 on the 
regiment's right front. Further ahead was visible the bald, rounded top of la 
Borne de Cornouiller, bare of trees or underbrush, and beyond it the dominating 
Haramount ridge, a full three kilometers away. The lines of the 316th were 
"merely small holes scooped in the ground, sheltered from observation by brush 
and leaves."^' Former German dugouts, with their fronts facing the enemy line, 
formed the shelter for those in support." A road, which cut down through the 
sub-sector near the center, intersected the Consenvoye-Etraye road several hun- 
dred yards behind the front, and near the cross-roads the regimental P. C. was 
established." On the right of the 316th, the 315th Infantry took over a sub- 
sector, which was in the shape of an inverted "V." Its western flank held liaison 
with the 316th in the lower edges of the Bois de la Grande Montague. From that 
point it ran gradually northeast into the Bois d'Etraye and then turned sharply 
south by east across an open space facing the Bois de Wavrille and culminated at 
the edge of Belleu Bois. Behind its western flank lay another clearing, Molle- 
ville Farm, the old farmhouse in the depth of a ravine being a mass of ruins. The 
regimental P. C. was established on the Brabant-Etraye road, west of the farm.^^ 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



219 




BocHE Concrete Shelter along road through Bois db Consenvote, near upper end of 

De.\th Valley and MoLLE\^LLE Fme. 







BoCHE NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD AT MoLLEVILLE FaRM BLOWN INTO ARCH BY FORCE OF SHELL 

EXPLOSION. 



220 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



On taking over its sector each infantry regiment placed two battalions in the 
front line and one battalion in support. The first two days were used almost ex- 
clusively in strengthening the positions by establishing strongpoints surrounded by 
barbed wire entanglements and linking up all positions by a comprehensive system 
of telephone wires connecting battalions with regiments and reginents in turn with 
the Brigade P. C, this work being directed by First Lieutenant H. W. Webbe, 
of the 304th Field Signal Battalion, attached as signal officer to the 158tb Infantry 
Brigade. Throughout, both regiments suffered heavily from shell fire. The 
Germans had every point on the front registered and could find them day or night, 
the result being that the high explosives and shrapnel wrought havoc with ration 




BocHB Machi:«; Gnx Nest axd Observation* i.v Bois de Consen'\'ote near .\dvaxce P. C. 
OF the 158th I.mfantky Brigade. 

details, working parties and liaison groups, while the constant use of gas shells 
made it necessary for the men to be masked most of the time. 

The greatest courage was evidenced by the men of both regiments and of 
the signal battalion groups detailed with them in maintaining the telephone wires. 
The heavy shelling was constantly knocking out connections, and the vital need 
of repairing them at once necessitated going out into the heart of a hostile barrage 
and working with shells bursting on all sides. The runners who traversed the 
shrapnel torn woods between the outposts and the company P. C.'s and battalion 
headquarters, dared death constantly to deliver messages, while heroic ration 
groups mounted the roads and penetrated to the frontal positions with food and 
water, performing with unequalled bravery in the face of terrible hazards. The 



LA BORNE DE COENOUILLER (HILL 378) 221 

Distinguished Ser\'ice Cross was awarded to a few of these men and many were 
cited in Division orders. Instances of what they did are the best illustrations 
of the daily and nightly horror of shell fire through the sector. Sergeant Bernard 
F. Sweeney, Jr., Headquarters Company, 315th Infantry, on the night of Oc- 
tober 31 made a dozen trips to repair telephone wire broken by the shelling, and 
was wounded the following morning while performing the same work.^'' On No- 
vember 1, Private Eugene G. Watkins, Company "K", 315th Infantry, was mor- 
tally wounded »vhile acting as a runner between battalion and regimental head- 
quarters, but continued and "covered a distance of approximately 300 meters to 
deliver his message." He died a few minutes after reaching his destination." 
Supply Sergeant William K. Dieste, Company "B", 312th Machine Gun Battal- 
ion, on the night of October 30, led a ration detail through extremely heavy fire, 
showing "the greatest personal courage and coolness," and on the return trip, 
after all of his detail had passed the exposed Molleville Farm ravine in safety, 
he, the last man, was struck and instantly killed by a fragment of high explosive.** 

Finally, on November 2, "owing to the intense shell fire to which the front 
line troops were continually subjected," each regiment withdrew a battalion from 
the line and the remaining battalion extended its front to include the entire regi- 
mental sector.'^ The First Battalion, 316th Infantry, under Major Harry D. 
Parkin,*' and the First Battalion, 315th Infantry, under Major Ward W. Pierson, 
recently promoted from Captain,*^ were the front line units. 

The "killed inaction" and "died of wounds" in the 158th Brigade during the 
period from October 29 to November 2 — the pre-oflensive period — were as follows : 

315th Infantry 

Company "A" Company "I" 

Corporal Vincent Byrne Privates Raymond Bolte 

Stephen Michalski 
Company "B" 
Private David Gollmer Company "K" 

Private Eugene A. Watkins 
Company "D" 
Private Stephen Esterly Company "L" 

Corporal William B. Hughes 
Company "E" Privates Charles P. Reichert 

Privates Harry F. Diamond Jesse Wooten 

Pietro Merola 

Headquarters Company 
Company "F" Private 1st cl Charles A. Keating 

Corporal Mitchell Sargen Private Joseph Haines 

Private John W. Manning 

Machine Gun Company 
Company "G" Private Gioacchino Spagnuolo 

Corporal William M. Smith 
Private Richard B. Ward Supply Company 

Wagoner Theodore Carro 



222 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



316th Infantry 



Company "B" 
Private Michelangelo Apolito 



Company "C" 
Corporal Arthur J. Murphy 
Pvt. 1st cl Lawrence W. Seiberlich 
Privates Emil C. Bendixen 
William Goldman 
Albert D. Lowrv 
Harry E. R. Otto 

Company "D" 
Privates Meyer Hodes 

Jay M. Jackson 
Jacob M. Lizeski 

Company "E" 
Private Samuel Rosenthal 

Company "F" 
Private Abraham Silver 



Company "G" 
Pvt. 1st cl Frank E. Painter 
Private Ciro Puorto 

Company "I" 
Pvt. 1st cl Charles R. Kohler 
Privates James M. McLevy 
John R. Scheppman 

Company "K" 
Privates Francis A. Carlson 
Venerando Ragaglia 

Company "L" 
Private Frederick W. Sonksen 

Company "M" 
Private C. 01 sen 

Headquarters Companj' 
Private Ernest C. Neuratli 



312th Machine Gun Battalion 



Company "D" 
Corporal Russell S. Tomlinson 
Private Andrew A. Ziegler 



Company "B" 
Supply Sgt. William K. Dieste 
Private Martin J. Marvel 

Company "C" 
Private Blaine B. Boggs 

On October 31, the "XVII" Corps had issued a warning order, purposing 
to put the Corps in a situation to pursue the enemy, thus:^' 

"At present, as the result of the actions carried on since the 
8th of October, the Army Corps found itself encompassed in the 
difficult region of the heights of the Meuse. It is necessary to 
prepare our disposition so that when the order is given the ad- 
vance can be instantly undertaken in the region situated between 
the line Loison-Orne and the foot of the heights." 

This order apparently was based upon the assumption that la Borne de 
Cornouiller and the other strongholds would be taken without much delay, as 
otherwise a pursuit, as contemplated, could not be attempted. Se\'eral patrols from 
the 158th Infantry Brigade, between October 30 and November 2, however, 
gave no indication that the enemy was in retirement from the ]VIeuse hills, although 
bringing back valuable information regarding hostile positions. The patrols 
were successful in their missions, — one, on the night of October 30, led by Lieutenant 
Harry S. Gabriel, of the 316th Infantry, reporting enemy wiring in tlie ravine 
leading to hill 378.^'* That same night Second Lieutenant Elton B. McCowan, 
of the 315th Infantry, made a solitary reconnaissance in order to find distinguish- 
ing marks and papers on a German who had been killed between the lines during 
the day, and returned with some valuable documents.^" German patrols had 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLES (HILL 378) 



293 



been uniformly unsuccessful during the period, elements of the 316th repulsing 
two and capturing two prisoners who were found to be members of the 48th Regi- 
ment, 228th Division. 58 

Upon the belief that the enemy should be withdrawing from the Meuse line 
south of Dun-sur-Meuse, the Corps, on November 2, issued Special Order No. 
19, directing that strong reconnaissance patrols be sent out by the 15th French 
Division and the 158th Brigade.^' In pursuance of the order, G-3 Order No. 7, 
79th Division, was drawn up the same day and provided that the 158th Brigade 
should test the strength of the enemy on la Borne de Cornouiller and at two points 
on the ridge to the east.^^ The reconnaissance was given over to the 316th Infan- 
try. On the night of November 2-3 these three patrols, consisting of two platoons 
each, drawn from the companies of the Second Battalion with a section of heavy 




1st Aid Station. 316th Inpaxtry — formerly Boche Dugout — Bois de Consenvoye Nov. 3rd to 

6th, 1918. Over 600 wounded men passed through this station in 24 hours Nov. 4th and 

5th, 1918. (note direct hit by Boche H. E. made while the shelter was filled 

with American wounded.) 

Brownings from Company "C", 312th Machine Gun Battalion attached, were 
formed up in the reserve line, while three other platoons, each having a 37mm 
gun, were assigned to act as a support and follow at 200 meters. The whole was 
directed by Captain Paul D. Strong, acting Second Battalion Commander, from 
a tiny shelter, well to the front. Artillery preparation was arranged for by a con- 
centration of 155's at sensitive points, as well as a standing and protecting bar- 
rage by the regiment of 75 's attached to the 158th Brigade, and a rolling barrage 
to precede the advance of the platoon on the left, moving at the rate of 100 meters 
in six minutes.*^ 

In moving into the line for the jump off, the platoons were subjected to in- 
tense shell fire and gas, and one of them was caught in a box barrage near the 



224 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Second Battalion P. C. and sustained many casualties, thirty men alone being^ 
gassed.*' Two men, Mechanic Moses S. Yerger, Company "G", and Private 
1st cl Nicholas C. Rosa, Company "F", rushed fearlessly to the spot and as- 
sisted in their prompt evacuation. Mechanic Yerger being killed.'^ When 
the combat patrols were finally in position, the preliminary artillery fire 
began at 5h 30 on the morning of November 3, and at 6h the three columns started 
for their given destinations. The right group, under Lieutenant Frank A. Ste- 
vens, took a northeasterly course through a dense woods to a point north of the 
line held by the 315th Infantry, and was there held up by an impenetrable tangle 
of underbrush, where, after suffering heavy casualties, it was forced to withdraw 
to the shoulder of Hill 370. The central group, under Lieutenant Harry S. Gab- 
riel, moved into the thick woods to the east of la Borne de Cornouiller, heading 
for Cote 320 and the ultimate objective. Hill 370, beyond. It encountered stern 
resistance from German machine guns before it had gone 100 yards. Corporal 
Israel Greenberg, with three volunteers, advanced ahead of the platoon and cap- 
tured one nest, putting twelve Germans to flight.** A little later a squad headed 
by Corporal Thomas Deysher confronted another nest and found themselves with 
a ravine saturated with chlorine gas between them and the enemy. Of his achieve- 
ment, a Division citation states:*^ 

"Either he must give up the patrol and not advance because to 
advance was impossible with gas masks; or he must take the 
masks off. Corporal Deysher chose the latter alternative and 
advanced with his squad, captured the machine gun nest and 
voluntarily paid the penalty with all his squad by being severely 
gassed." 

By lOh the middle platoon had reached its second objective, having advanced 
1200 meters and captured six machine gun nests. Its casualties, however, had 
been heavy, the second in command. Lieutenant Rudolph E. Peterson, having 
been killed while on the left flank. Lieutenant Gabriel then drew back to re- 
organize and, after two more attacks, in each of which prisoners were taken and 
machine guns subdued, it became apparent that the enemy was closing in through 
the underbrush. Finally, in the middle of the afternoon. Lieutenant Gabriel 
took what was left of his column toward the left and reinforced the platoon ou 
that side. 

The platoon on the left, under Captain Francis D. Johnson and Lieutenant. 
Ira D. Lady, had jumped off at 6h, headed straight for la Borne de Cornouiller. 
Within a short time Captain Johnson was killed while heroically leading his men,, 
and a little later Lieutenant Lady was mortally wounded.*' Sergeant Evin C. 
Miller was killed while gallantly rallying the platoon,** and Sergeants Adam. 
Matlawski and, Oscar O. Grip,** the remaining non-coms, rallied the men and 
held them in line until Lieutenant Harold B. Alston, of the 312th Machine Gua 
Battalion, who commanded the three sections of "C" Company, that battalion, 
could assume command.*^ The description of what then ensued can be gained 
from Lieutenant Alston's own story, which is as follows: 

"Nothing better indicates the strength of the enemy defenses 
in this sector than the fact that during the first four or five hours 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



i-25 




Our wounded being evacuated from the First Aid Station on their first lap of the long, 

LONG JOURNEY TO THE RE.\H. ThEY ARE MEN OF THE 316tH InFANTRY WOUNDED IN 
THE FIRST ATTA<K ON IIiLL 378. 




Wounded men — 316th Infantry — returning from u\ Borne de Cornouiller — Hill 378. 



226 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

we advanced only about 150 meters. The woods were thick with 
machine guns, and it was practically impossible for us to go ahead. 
Lieutenant Lady was hit in the knee; so I made a tourniquet above 
the wound and propped him against the side of a shell hole. This 
shell hole was covered by an enemy machine gun which made it 
impossible to evacuate him immediately. I detailed a man to 
stay with him, while I crawled out and proceeded to cut in the 
road on the flank of the gun that was holding up our attack. 
Here I met Lieutenant Peterson. He yelled to me to duck; and as 
I did so he aimed a rifle at a Boche. But a bullet hit him and he 
lunged forward, dead. 

I signalled to three infantrymen and we started crawling 
into the woods to get the machine gun nest. I had turned over 
my original machine gun command to Sergeant John H. M. Cha- 
ncy, and, knowing my own company, I felt safe on the left where 
Sergeant Carl O. Allison was in command. We crawled forward 
a few yards, a low mist preventing our being seen, and finally I 
could see the enemy gun. Having a grenade I tossed it over and 
it luckily landed jUst a few feet in front of the gunner tearing his 
head completely off. This was our signal to rush and we did so. 
On the rush, two of my men were killed about 25 yards from the 
gun. I rushed on with the other man and we got to them before 
they could fire. My one remaining man was wounded. I emerged 
from the woods with fourteen prisoners and sent them to the rear." 

Lieutenant Alston's confidence in his two sergeants was not misplaced. Ser- 
geant Chaney won a General Headquarters citation for gallantry in action as a 
result of the day's work,^* and Sergeant Allison, the Distinguished Service Cross, 
the latter's citation stating that "in the face of direct machine gun fire not more 

'ythan forty yards distant, he mounted a machine gun and succeeded in knocking 
out one of the enemy's guns and taking twenty-five prisoners. Although seriously 
wounded during this most gallant exploit, he remained at his gun and ably assisted 
the advancing infantry until weakness and loss of blood forced him to go to the 
rear."^^ Two other "C" Company machine gunners distinguished themselves by 
evacuating severely wounded men, Private 1st cl Ralph L. Brittingham aiding 
Corporal William E. Isemann to a place of safety, and Private 1st cl Howard N. 
Kriebel assisting Private Neil Robarge to the rear." Two men were killed in 

■ the company, Privates Gustav A. Johnson and Abraham Neuman. 

Finally, late in the afternoon, the platoon under Lieutenant Alston, assisted 
by Lieutenant Gabriel's force, was unable to proceed further. It had, however, 
reached the foot of la Borne de Cornouiller and there it dug in, being reinforced 
toward evening by "B" Company, 316th Infantry, sent forward under Captain 
Louis C. Knack. 1^' The offensive reconnaissance successfully accomplished its 
mission. Eleven machine guns were captured and their crews captured or killed. 
The strength of the enemy, the nature of his defenses and his positions were de- 
veloped, and the lines advanced into the woods on Hill 370 and a foothold was 
gained on la Borne de Cornouiller. 

The killed in action or dying of wounds among the enlisted men of the 3I6th 
Infantry — a small percentage of the casualties of the day — were as follows: 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



227 




LiEV T. IJlkki. i;i iiii. iUliiii Mkdhal Staff attkndim., a max woundeu in' the fight for 

Hill 378. 




O.NE OF OUR WOVNUKD UHOUGHT IN' TO KlRST AlD StaTIOX AFTEEl LYIXG ALL NIGHT OX HiLL 378. 

(316 IXF.) 



228 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Company "G" 
Mechanic Moses S. Yerger 
Private 1st cl Harvey N. Gauger 
Privates Arthur E. Guinn 

Luie Machacek 

Frank Mancusi 

Company "L" 
Private 1st cl Charles F. Fritts 
Private Cecil Gordy 

Headquarters Company 
Privates Ralph A. Haag 
Edward Miner 



Company "C" 
Corporals Alvin S. Meredith 

Richard W. Strong, Jr. 
Private 1st cl John T. Lane 

Company "D" 
Private 1st cl Chas. B. Houseknecht 

Company "E" 
Privates Nicholas C. Arens 
John H. Binns 
Charley Nielsen 

Company "F" 
Corporal Anthony Finocchio 

During the entire course of the reconnaissance in force, the enemy maintained 
continuous artillery fire on the regimental areas of the two infantry regiments of the 
158th Brigade and upon the road leading up through the sector. One regimental 
runner of the 316th Infantry, Private Francis Boyer, Headquarters Company, 
was killed while bravely taking a message through a barrage,** and another, Pri- 
vate Vincent J. Devlin, Sanitary Detachment, was severely wounded while carry- 
ing a message to the Third Battalion surgeon.*' With darkness, the enemy shelling 
continued unabated, the Boche evidently fearing some efforts of further exploita- 
tion by the 158th Brigade. Such was not the plan, however, the front of the 
316th Infantry being chiefly interested in holding the position gained and estab- 
lishing telephone lines from the foothold at the bottom of la Borne de Cornouiller 
back to regimental headquarters. Two men of the 304th Field Signal Battalion, 
Corporal Bert E. Friend, Company "C", and Private 1st cl Wilbert W. Anthony, 
volunteered to lay and maintain this wire and accomplished their purpose under 
intense fire.** 

On the front of the 315th Infantry, further east, where there had been no 
activity during the day, several patrols were sent out after darkness. First Lieu- 
tenant George S. Barker, First Battalion Intelligence Officer, led one from "D" 
Company which brought back important information,*" as did another led by 
Sergeant Peter McHugh, of Company "C."*" First Lieutenant Lester Shearer, 
of "B" Company, not only took out a patrol but led it against an enemy machine 
gun and put the weapon out of action.*" Four men of the 315th were killed by 
shell fire during November 3. They were Privates Herman R. Hertzberg and 
John J. Lenahan, of Company "A", and Privates George J. Gastenveld and James 
White, of Company "I." 

The German shelling had proven fatal as far south as Samogneux, where Com- 
panies "A" and "B" of the 304th Engineers, and the Engineer Train were sev- 
eral times driven from their work by high explosive and shrapnel. "A" Com- 
pany lost one man killed, Private 1st cl James K. Danner, and several wounded; 
"B" Company had several wounded; and the Train had three killed, — Privates 
Harvey E. Kelley, Benson C. Louden and Robert P. Owens. 

Late on the night of November 3, Order No. 20, "XVII" Corps, was received 
at Division P. C. at Vacherauville. It expressed the possibility of the enemy 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



229 




S04TH E^GINEERS REPAIRING MlNE ChaTER, BETWEEN SaMOGNEUX AND BhaBANT. 



230 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



having only rear guards in the front facing the 15th French Division and the 158th 
Brigade, and directed an attack for the next morning, the Seventy-ninth's instruc- 
tions being to follow up the reconnaissance of November 3 with an "action against 
the Borne de Cornouiller, the occupation of which is important."^' The Corps 
order was received at Division Headquarters too late for the preparation of a 
Division field order and, consequently, all arrangements were made by telephone 
with the 158th Brigade Headquarters.^' A covering operation into the Bois de 
la Grande Montague on the east was arranged for. Artillery preparation was 
set for 5h 45 and the infantry, was to attack at 6h, November, 4.^' 

A request went back from both infantry regiments for ammunition and. 
amid the uproar of the German night firing, two trucks, driven by Cor- 
porals James J. Woodward and Harold L. Goslin, of Company "C", 304tli Am- 




MoLLEVILLE FaRM ClEAKIs .. AkTER A SHELLING OF OUR ADVANCING FRONT LINES ABOVE Br^V- 

BANT. This team and load of ammunhtion for our men had been temporally left by its 

DRIVER. WHO sought SHELTER, DURING THE INTENSIVE SHELL FIRF, — OcT. 28, 1918. 

munition Train, went trundling northward over the torn roads, literally dodging 
high explosives, until their much needed loads were delivered at the regimental 
dumps. ^' Equally heroic was the conduct of Corporal Walter F. Brzozowski. 
Company "I", 315th Infantry, who assembled an ammunition detail below the 
Bois de Consenvoye and led it up through the woods. In the Molleville Farm 
clearing, the detail came under heavy shell fire and was scattered, several being 
killed and wounded. Corporal Brzozowski, despite the shell fire, collected the 
detail and again led it forward until it had delivered the ammunition to the First 
Battalion headquarters.*" 

General Johnson, of the 158th Brigade, made rapid plans for the attack. 
To the First Battalion, 315th Infantry, on the right, was given the task of making 
the support attack — a local efi'ort, as it were — designed to occupy the German 
attention while the main drive could be pressed home, and also to carry the front 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 231 

to better positions if possible. To the 316th Infantry was assigned the work of 
the direct attack against la Borne de Cornouiller by the First Battahon on the 
extreme left, and against Hill 370 and the east flank of the Borne by the Third 
Battalion, holding liaison to the right with the First Battalion, 315th. For 
barrage work, in addition to the artillery. General Johnson had three companies 
of the 312th Machine Gun Battalion in position, although one of them ("C") 
had suffered hea^'ily the day before and was low in personnel. 

The attack, preceded by artillery preparation fire, was launched all along 
the line at 6h under the protection of a heavy fog. At the same time that the 
infantry stepped off, the hea^\v Brownings opened "a barrage on the enemy posi- 
tions ahead and "lifted it 100 meters for five lifts. "^- At 7h 40 the Operations 
Officer of the 158th Brigade notified Division G-3 that the 315th Infantry reported 
its Stokes mortars jammed after sixty rounds, and that the 316th Infantry had 
already captured "seven machine guns and twenty-nine prisoners."*'' 

The initial assault by Major Pierson's First Battalion of the 315th Infantry 
went well for the first se^•eral hundred yards. Knowing the density of the machine 
guns ahead of them, the four companies began the advance "by infiltration of 
small combat groups."'" AVithin a half hour, however, the enemy had turned 
the advance into a shambles. It is described as follows by the regimental his- 
torian:'" 

"An avalanche of machine gun bullets, rifle grenades and 
trench mortar shells struck the ranks of the advancing troo])s. In 
vain the 315tli Machine Gun Company and the Stokes Mortar 
platoon of the Headquarters Company, which were supporting 
the advance, attempted to quell the enemy storm. Lying deep 
within the thick underbrush, concealed in shell holes, massed on 
fighting tops in towering trees, German machine gunners poured 
forth their deadly fire, while under the direction of a low flying 
aeroplane, German batteries hidden in ravines and gullies to the 
east enfiladed the American line with a hail of high explosive 
shells." 

On the right of the line. Company "D", with both flanks exposed to murder- 
ous fire, fought its way forward 100 yards and managed to secure a well protected 
line, where it stopped and dug in." Sergeant Clarence Pancoast, suffering from 
machine gun wounds, led the right platoon to safety and was shot to death. ^^ 
Sergeant John T. Holt, his platoon having pushed beyond the line of the company 
into the Bois de Wavrille, found his line swept by a flanking fire. The sergeant 
organized a position in fox holes, ga^ve first aid to his wounded and saw that they 
all were evacuated before he fell back to the general line.*" Sergeant Elmer R. 
Fox, locating a German machine gunner, secured an automatic rifle from one of 
his men and put him out of action. A moment later he was killed by a sniper 
bullet.*" Next in line westward. Company "A", managed to make an advance 
of seventy-five yards, struggling along under heroic leadership such as that evi- 
denced by Corporal John F. McCann, who managed to get his squad into shell 
holes and, although severely wounded, refused to be evacuated during the day.^° 
A platoon of "B" Company, inserted next in the line, lost its commander. Lieu- 
tenant Arthur Bagans, wounded, and was led gallantly by First Sergeant Albert 



232 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



M. Young. ^^ To the west of it, "C" Company made a splendid effort and flung 
one platoon, under Sergeants Rechtenwald and Turner, far in advance of the 
balance of the company.'^ This single platoon made a remarkable fight. It lost 
contact with all other units and held on, fighting for twenty-seven hours before 
it was relieved.'^ Sergeant John J. Read was mortally wounded while directing 
this advance,''^ and Sergeant John T. Camburn, Corporal Frank J. Devaux and 
Private John McKay each distinguished himself by wiping out machine gun 
nests, the latter being twice wounded in the accomplishment of the act.*° Private 
Feodor Koshowitz bravely risked his life for a wounded comrade, crawling out 
ahead of the line, binding the wounded man's leg with a gas mask cord and bandag- 
ing the wound before seeking safety."" The most western unit of the battalion, 
"B" Company, which had jumped off late to the attack, had a desperate struggle 




Field Kitchen carrying cauldrons of hot chow forward to men of the SIoth Infantry 
Bois DE Consbnvoye — November 5th, 1918. 

through underbrush in which Lieutenant Lester Shearer, although hit in the 
face by a sniper bullet, fought against evacuation. Sergeant Edward A. Davies 
was shot through the wrist and leg and the command finally devolved upon Sergeant 
Eugene C. Fagan, of "C" Company, who had led a detachment to the relief."" 
Two men of the Machine Gun Company, Corporal George H. Archible and Private 
1st cl William McK. Viven ; dragged a machine gun into an advanced outpost posi- 
tion and put two enemy guns out of commission."" By llh the offensive was 
halted and the Battalion clung with desperation to the ground it had won. Pri- 
vate 1st cl William A. Lewis, of the Headquarters Company, had maintained the 
telephone communication between First Battalion Headquarters and the Regi- 
mental P. C. throughout,"^ but telephone messages were not quite clear as to the 





Lt. Col. H. J. McKennt, 
304Tn Ammunition Train 



jMajor Z. H. Mitchum, 
304th Field Signal Bn. 





Major W. T. R. Price, 
304th Supply Train 



Major John L. Evans, 
310th M. G. Bn. 




Colonel J. Frank Barber, 
304th Engineers 






Lt. Col. 
Thos. W. Miller, 
Div.Okd. Officer 



CoiXJNEL P. W. HUXTIXGDON 

Division Surgeon 




Lt. Col. W. J. Calvert, 
Division G-1. 



Lt. Colonel M.\gill 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



-233 



front line situation. First Lieutenant Theodore Rosen, the regimental gas officer, 
secured permission from Colonel Knowles to reconnoiter the front line. He set 
out on his hazardous mission and personally covered the greater part of the front, 
sending back valuable information. While out in the Bois d'Etraye, trying to 
locate the left flank of the battalion, he ran into a hidden machine gun nest and 
was severely wounded. Although scarcely able to crawl, he managed to work his 
way a short distance to the rear and warn the men following him so that they 
could avoid the nest. Before assistance could reach him, however, a German 
rifle grenade was thrown upon him, exploding and giving him further severe 
wounds. Unable to move or resist by further fighting, he was taken prisoner.*"* 
The main attack, conducted by the 316th on the left, had gotten away to a 
splendid start. The right battalion (Third), under Major William S. Manning, 
but lately promoted from captain, entering the woods to the southeast of the 




316th Machine Gunners opiaiATiNG A captuked German gun on l.\ Borne ue Coknouiller 

THE SCENE OF TERRIBLE FIGHTING, TREMENDOUS SLAUGHTER, AND OUR SUCCESS. 

Borne, penetrated the Bois de la Grande Montagne. Advancing through the 
thick growth and underbrush, the battalion wiped out machine gun nest after 
machine gun nest and finally occupied Hill 370. The left flank (Company "I") 
succeeded in occupying ground in the woods east of the road running north over 
la Borne de Cornouiller. Stretching away from it in a southeasterly direction 
ran the thin lines of "K", "M" and "L" Companies, the latter in liaison with 
"B" Company, 315th Infantry. Captain Claude C. Cunningham had been 
mortally wounded in the attack, and Captains John McI. Somers and Lieutenant 
Arthur R. Sayres seriously wounded. Company "I", on the left flank, however, 
found itself virtually in the air, having no liaison with the First Battalion beyond 
it and being enfiladed from the Borne." First Sergeant Frank Fink, of Company 



234 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

"H", assigned to Company "J", led three successive patrols out into this area to 
the west and each time silenced a machine gun nest, but did not establish liaison.** 
Privates Ormond R. Marks and George R. Monroe, of "H" Company, acting as 
battalion runners, were so harassed by machine gun fire that, in desperation, they 
turned and captured two of the enemy weapons.*^ 

The story of the First Battalion, which Major Parkin led to the attack at 
6h that foggy morning, is one of the many tragic ones of the war. The way led 
straight up the bare slope of la Borne de Cornouiller and the enemy, in hastily 
dug butc omplete trenches, disputed every inch of the distance. Progress was made 
only by hand to hand grapples, but progress, nevertheless, until, at 7h 55, Major 
Parkin sent back word by runner that his right was on the objective and the left 
was approaching it under machine gun fire, and that the line extended across the 
top of the Borne. That message also predicted shelling when the fog lifted and 
asked for counter-battery work if such should happen. His advance units were 
"C" Company on the right and "B" Company on the left and he, apparently 
satisfied after his message of 7h 55 regarding the progress of the right, made his 
way to the left to guide the advance of "B" Company. "\^Tiat happened in the 
ensuing hour or two is vague. "C" Company, unable to maintain its position 
and with only twenty-five men left, fell back from the crest to shell holes 
and a narrow trench on the edge of the Bois de la Grande Montague. "B" 
Company pressed on alone, sending out liaison patrols in search of the Fifteenth 
French Division, which was making a simultaneous attack on the left, but hearing 
nothing from patrols or the French. Instead, the advance ran into a murderous 
machine gun fire from the direction where the French should have been, and the 
men sought shelter in shell holes. At 12h 10 Major Parkin despatched a runner 
with a verbal message to the effect that he was being outflanked. Shortly after- 
wards he was seriously wounded. The command devolved upon Captain Louis 
C. Knack, who was almost immediately killed. The remnant of "B" Company 
clung to its position and then the fog lifted, disclosing the pitiful numbers to a 
German aviator. Shortly afterwards the machine gun fire ceased and, while the 
little band on the crest of the hill wondered, two companies of German infantry 
emerged from the woods on the flank, again from the spot where the French 
should have been, and rushed the "B" Company survivors with hand grenades. 
There was a desperate hand-to-hand encounter, but superior numbers told and the 
survivors, three officers, including Major Parkin, and twenty-one men, were taken 
prisoner and hurried off to the northward. 

The last message received from Major Parkin had been the one of 7h 55. 
When nothing more came back over the First Battalion wire, regimental head- 
quarters became worried. The roar of the conflict on the hill was plainly audible. 
While the firing was at its height the battalion wire gave out completely, severed 
by shell fire. Colonel WiUiams ordered Lieutenant Colonel George E. Haedicke, 
who had reported the day before, to take the First Battalion Reserve, consisting 
of "D" Company, under Lieutenant Maxwell McKeen, and go forward to rein- 
force the front. An hour later. Captain Carl E. Clock, regimental adjutant, was 
sent forward with two machine guns and instructions to gather in all men he found 
and take them with him. A few minutes after he left, the wire to the First Bat- 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



235 



talion P. C. was repaired and a glimpse of the tragedy revealed. The runner 
sent back by Major Parkin at 12h 10 had reached the P. C, but was too exhausted 
and excited to do more than repeat, "Am being outflanked." EflForts to get 
further information from him were useless, the man being half-dead from ex- 
haustion. Colonel Williams called for support from the heavy Brownings for the 
two small commands he had sent forward. The response came from Company 
"B", 312th Machine Gun Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Louis M. Wash- 
Inirn. This outfit had covered the morning attack by a two hour barrage, during 
which it had been heavily shelled by the Germans and two guns had been disabled. 
At one point it had run out of ammunition but Sergeant Daniel J. Duffy, recon- 
noitering in the woods, found 1500 additional rounds and brought them up.*' 
Lieutenant Washburn, assisted by First Sergeant Sidney W. Wellborn, personally 
placed each gun, and at 15h 20 the Brownings began a twenty-minute barrage. 




Giant shell hole on Hill 378. This position was twice taken by our troops before its 

FINAL CAPTLTRE which PERMITTED THE GENERAL ADVANCE OF OUR ENTIRE FRONT. 316tH InF. 

At 15h 40 the guns were dismounted and put under cover, and five minutes later 
the enemy high explosives found and obliterated the former gun positions.'^ 

Lieutenant Colonel Haedicke and Lieutenant McKeen, with sixty men from 
"D" Company, had, meanwhile, pushed ahead, locating the remnant of "C" 
Company and the left of the Third Battalion, but finding a gap of 1,100 meters 
on the left flank. Lieutenant McKeen, while seeking to locate the French troops 
to the left, was fatally wounded but "disregarding his suffering from wounds 
displayed great courage by instructing his men" and forbidding them to carry 
him to a first-aid station for fear of weakening the combat strength.^'' Sergeant 
Nathan A. Reddington, who succeeded to the command, kept up the efforts to 
locate the French line and directed his small force in the capture of three enemy 



236 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

machine guns and nine gunners.*^ Corporal Loomis O. Nickle, leaving the patrol 
busy with these prisoners, kept on ahead and, single-handed, captured another gun 
and its crew of five men.^'* Finally, the efforts to locate the French were aban- 
doned, it being perfectly apparent that they were nowhere around, and the rem- 
nant of the force dropped back to the southern slope of the hill. 

Captain Clock's force, consisting of sixty men, including two machine guns 
under Lt. Clarence D. Foight, pushed up in the same trail taken by Major Parkin 
hours before, losing heavily from shell fire and finally, toward dusk, joining up 
with the northern outpost of "I" Company and the remnant of "D" Company." 
The death hail which was sweeping the summit of the hill made it untenable, 
even although unoccupied by the Germans. Captain Clock's small provisional 
battalion organized a scattered shell hole defense on the southern crest, where 
the men remained throughout the night, despite the efforts of the enemy artillery 
and combat patrols to dislodge them. In one encounter three of the enemy were 
killed, including a lieutenant of the 48th Infantry. In two other encounters five 
prisoners were taken. The Germans had been so severely stunned by the attack 
that they seemed satisfied to withdraw to a machine gun strongpoint on the north- 
west shoulder.!' 

Working behind the new front line and on down as far as Brabant, the men 
of the 304th Field Signal Battalion, detailed with the 158th Brigade, were under 
heavy shell fire while maintaining the telephone system. Seven men from Com- 
pany "C", Privates John H. Foster, George Isett, Nate McDermott, Chester 
Patton, Raymond Rauenzahn, Marion Rishel and William Scott,^' received 
G. H. Q. citations for their work that day, while Sergeant George W. Grim and 
Private Sanders P. Titsworth, of the same company, were awarded Division cita- 
tions.** 

Nor did the Boche content himself with merely shelling the slim front line 
on the southern crest of the hill and the back areas to Brabant. A long range 
shell found a target in a truck of the 304th Supply Train operated by Corporal 
Norman R. Greene, of Company "D". The shell burst in the road, fragments 
wounding Corporal Greene and four soldiers. One of them. Private Eugene A. 
Weiss, riding on the front seat, grasped the wheel when Greene was knocked over 
and kept the truck on the road. Despite his injuries, the wounded corporal 
drove to the Regulating Station and, refusing to dismount because there was no 
one else available to drive it, continued on with the four wounded men to a first 
aid station. ^^ 

Gas shells were flung into Vacherauville during the course of that day. The 
observation balloon of the 9th Balloon Company was located by a Boche airman 
and shot down in the afternoon. Shrapnel had been bursting over the Division 
P. C. prior to that time, and, about dusk, the enemy began dropping mustard gas 
shells in the same location. They continued for two hours. Two exploded in 
a dugout occupied by Lieutenant Colonel Andrew W. Smith, Division Machine 
Gun Officer, and Lieutenant Colonel George S. Gillis, Division Signal Officer. 
There was no wind blowing and the gas settled into trenches and dugouts where, 
despite gas masks, it got in its insidious work and thirty-five officers and men 
were gassed and evacuated. Included among them were Lieutenant Colonel 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



237 




PnOTE( TKI) SHELTERS OF OCR TROOPS AU)VG TlIE rANAt, BaVK NEAR BraBAXT 




Vacherauville, showing 79th Division P. C. dugouts and trench known as Boyau Lisbonne. 



238 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Gillis, and Major Spencer Roberts, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2. That same 
night Major John L. Evans, of the 310th Machine Gun BattaHon. who had been 
with his command in reserve near Brabant, was also evacuated, suffering from two 
doses of gas sustained in the course of twelve hours. 

The fatalities of that day in the 315th and 316th Infantry had been extremely 
heavy, as the following tables show: 

315th Infantry 



Company "A" 
Privates Carmine Capellupo 
Nicolo Crispi 
Emmett G. Laub 
Elwood G. Paul 
Nathan Shute 
Edward F. Smith 

Company "B" 
Privates Harry Eichenberger 
George Moss 
Raffaele Spiotta 

Company "D" 
Sergeants Elmer R. Fox 

Clarence S. Pancoast 
Corporal Abram K. Street 
Privates Isaac Cohen 



James C. Killeen 
Bir chard H. White 

Company "E" 
Private Michael J. Goonan 

Company "G" 
Private Charles H. Pfister 

Company "H" 
Private William J. McDonnell 

Company "I" 
Sergeant Frank E. Hill 
Corporal Frank Mirriam 

Machine Gun Company 
Privates Clerk Maurer 
John Q. Robb 



316th Infantry 



Company "B" 
Corporal Joseph Vasella 
Private Cosimo Dibenedetto 

Company "C" 
Sergeant Joseph A. Mullin 
Corporal Leslie S. Zeger 
Privates Clark Allison 

Eddie J. S. Bauer 
Peter K. Demopulos 
George Edwards 
Charles I. Pace 
Robert T. Sherlock 

Company "D" 
Private Harold D. Seeley 

Company "E" 
Corporal Morris C. Drye 
Privates Nick Evans 

George E. Fenstamaker 
Bennie H. Hahn 
Leo J. Hass 
Charlie Jones 
George J. Kreul 



Company "K" 
Privates Frank C. Prokop 
Theophile Risso 

Company "F" 
Sergeant Ervin C. Miller 
Corporal Norman B. Hallman 
Privates Cornelius Griffin 
John J. Keleher 
Raymond K. Naylor 
Lowell W. Shira 

Company "H" 
Private James F. Orchard 

Company "I" 
Privates Harvey C. Pierce 
Ira K. Trout 

Company "L" 
Private Reginald K. Kuhn 

Company "M" 
Private Bernard Witte 

Machine Gun Company 
Pvt. 1st cl Archie B. Schultz 
Private James J. Cassidv 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



239 



During the night of November 4-5, word was received at Division P. C 
from the XVII Corps that "west of the Meuse the enemy was apparently disor- 
ganized and all his reserves were thrown in, and it was possible that while still 
holding, he was doing so with reduced forces."'* It was also stated to General 
Kuhn that the Third American Army Corps intended to cross the Meuse further 
north in the vicinity of Dun-sur-Meuse with the purpose of driving the enemy 
to the northeast, and that the Seventy-ninth Division, in conjunction with the 
French on the left, was to continue its attack northward against la Borne de Cor- 
nouiller.'" Accordingly, at 22h 30 on the same night. Field Order No. 31, 79tl) 
Division, was issued, directing General Johnson to attack with one battalion in 
the line and another in support, the left flank of the movement to the northward 





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In our captured ahka north of Verdun, a protected shell hole contained this Hun equip- 
ment FOR Organized Resistance. 

on parallel 24, which crossed the sum.mit of the Borne on the west. The troops 
were to take off at 9h and a concentration fire by the Corps artillery was scheduled 
for 8h 30 to lOh 15, with an interdiction fire by the Division's 155's during the 
same period, and a barrage by 75 's.'' 

It was easier to draw that order than to find the necessary available infantry- 
men for the attack. The 315th Infantry had its First Battalion badly used up 
by the experience of the previous day and was now in reserve, having been relieved 
during the night by the Second Battalion. The Third Battalion, 315th, had 
moved from reserve to support. '' In the 316th Infantry on the left, conditions 
were worse. The Second Battalion lost heavily in the reconnaissance of Novem- 
ber 3, and the First and Third Battalions had received a terrible gruelling the day 



240 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

before. The First Battalion, in fact, had practically ceased to exist. "B" Com- 
pany was no longer a unit: "C" Company could not muster a platoon and all 
of "D" Company was included in Captain Clock's provisional battalion, which 
was clinging to the south crest of la Borne de Cornouiller. That left "A" Com- 
pany in reserve. In the Third Battalion, "I" and "K" Companies, during the 
night, had stretched their thin lines over the front through the Bois de la Grande 
Montague from Captain Clock's position southeast to a single platoon of "L" 
Company, which held liaison with the 315th north of Molleville farm. As a re- 
sult, most of "L" and all of "M" Companies, neither of which had been quite 
as heavily engaged the previous day, were considered available for an attack. 
Colonel Williams decided to marshal a second provisional battalion for the assault, 
under Major Manning, and assigned to it "A", "L" and "M" Companies, 316th, 
and "K" Company, 315th, the latter unit being secured at 3h, November 5.'* 
While the line of attack was being formed, just before dawn, the Germans on the 
crest of the hill made several efforts with strong combat patrols to drive off Cap- 
tain Clock's men. In one of these attacks. Corporal David M. Thornton, of the 
Machine Gun Company, was killed by a hand grenade, while valiantly operating 
his light Browning in a shell hole in advance of the line.^* In another attack, the 
Germanswere badly worsted when they apparently considered success in their hands. 
A party of about sixty Boche infantrymen, working their way through a fog, crept 
in upon the flank of fifteen soldiers in a shell hole, surprising them with the order 
to throw down their arms. Outnumbered and taken unawares, the Americans 
did as told. But the enemy had overlooked another shell hole just a few yards 
away and in it were Corporal Adolph Kossman, and Privates William A. Haas 
and Joseph Fallacchi, all of Company "C". The trio opened a rapid and murder- 
ous fire on the gloating Germans, killing six, wounding many more and sending 
the whole body in a wild rout across the hill crest to their own lines. ^'' 
i Meanwhile, Major Manning was experiencing trouble in finding the units 
assigned to him for the attack. "A" and "M" Companies, 316th, did not materi- 
alize, and, as the hour drew near for the opening barrage, the Major decided to 
push forward with "K" Company, 315th, on the left, and "L" Company, 316th, 
on the right, a mixed company containing men from numerous units of the 316th 
being in support in the centre." At 8h 30, when the Corps and Division guns 
were thundering away, the provisional battalion moved forward, protected as it 
went by a machine gun barrage laid down by a platoon of "D" Company, 312th 
Machine Gun Battalion,^" and the entire 310th Machine Gun Battalion, which 
had been ordered forward in compliance with a clause in the field order of the 
preceding night.'' Never was an attack more gallantly made. Captain Clock's 
little battalion on the southern crest saw them coming and worked over to the 
right to be abreast of the assaulting column when it should reach the brow, ready 
for the jump off at 9h. Promptly on the minute the line topped the crest, and 
was smitten by a terrible machine gun fire from the strong point on the northwest 
shoulder. Undaunted, they pressed on. Major Manning strode before his men, 
cane in hand, encouraging them by his example and leadership. The German 
position was stormed and taken before 8h 30, and, before that time also, the gal- 
lant majorwasdead, the victim of a machine gun bullet.^'' A fewminutes later Lieu- 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



'■2U 




* I 1,1 \ \ in Ak n^i-' 
Cooks and K. P.'s of Company "G", 313th Infantry, preparing Mess near Saraogneux Nov. 3, 1S)18. 




Cakkier FiGEOxs HEADY IN THE Front Lines, 314th Infantrv Nov. 6, 1918. 

"This photo was taken under fire and a Machine Gun bullet whizzed by the photographer's head, 

so he dropped and took the remaining pictures of this set crawling on the flat of his belly." 



242 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

tenant L<iwrence Ayres was naortally wounded and the command devolved tem- 
poraril}' upon Captain William M. Carroll, Jr., of Company "K", 315tli Infantry. 
The two companies from different regiments worked with perfection as long as 
their numbers were sufficient to coimt. They, with the little group on the right 
under Captain Clock, filtered over the summit of la Borne de Cornouiller and 
down the bare northern slope. From west, north and east a tornado of machine 
gun bullets swept them in this advanced position. It cut the men down like a 
giant scythe at work.*' On the extreme left, endeavoring to maintain liaison 
with the French and at the same time exterminate the machine gun nests which 
interfered. Lieutenant John T. Owens, of "K" Company, 315th, was shot to 
death by machine gun fire, but not until he had used an automatic rifle with telling 
effect upon three enemy nests." Sergeants Harry L. Greenwood and Louis C. 
Symington were both killed at about the same time,^' the latter within ten feet 
of a machine gun he was stalking, picked off by a sniper he had not seen.*" Ser- 
geant Joseph F. Kilroy, the only non-com left on the west of the line, started with 
five men to flank a machine gun. Every one of his group became casualties. 
He picked up the automatic rifle of a fallen comrade, disposed of the nest and then 
took command of the line." 

The Second Battalion, 316th Infantry, under Captain Strong, had moved in 
support of the attack about 300 meters in the rear. Notified of the death of 
Major Manning, Captain Strong pushed forward and took command of the front. 
Shortly before 2h he received orders to withdraw the line to the east shoulder of 
the hill and again form a shell hole defense along the south crest. The order came 
from Lieutenant Colonel Haedicke, who was with Captain Clock's command on 
the right and could see the vain sacrifice in attempting to remain on the exposed 
north slope. Obediently but reluctantly, the remnants of "K" Company, 315th, 
and "L" Company, 316th, passed to the south slope and dug in, the Second 
Battalion remaining in support a little below the crest. The word of Major Man- 
ning's death had reached the Regimental Commander, who had moved forward 
to the Third Battalion P. C, at lOh 40. Colonel Williams, suffering from gas 
and on the verge of a. physical breakdown from overwork, made an effort to go 
forward to the front line and take command. At the entrance of the dugout he 
fell and had to be carried to a bunk. Word was sent forward for Lieutenant 
Colonel Haedicke to return and take command of the regiment, and, with wires 
down between the P. C. and brigade, the last carrier pigeon was utilized to send 
word to the artillery to curtain the American line with a barrage and ward off a 
concentration of the enemy in the Trench du Canif evidently being formed for a 
counter-attack.^' Division P. C. notified General Johnson that in thirty min- 
utes all of the artillery of the Division would come down on the concentration. 
In addition to the three artillery regiments, the Division at that time had two 
batteries of 240 mm howitzers. As arranged for, these combined heavies cen- 
tered on the enemy movement and the effect was observed by General John- 
son from a lookout station in a tree. He reported it as having been terrible 
and absolutely decisive, a fact which prisoners afterwards confirmed. 

The situation of the 158th Brigade on the southern crest of the Borne was 
a serious one. It was a thin line, indeed, which was presented to the enemy along 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 243 

the entire brigade front, beginning with the remnant of "K" Company, 315th, 
on the extreme left, and continuing eastward with "L" Company, 316th, the frag- 
ments of Captain Clock's command, "I" Company, 316th, "K" Company, 
316th, a platoon of "L" Company, 316th, and beyond that the Second Battalion 
of the 315th. For siij)j)ort, the left of the line had what remained of Captain 
Strong's Second Battalion, 316th, and the right of the line had three companies 
of the Third Battalion, 315th. Nevertheless, the 158th Brigade was on la Borne 
de Cornouiller to stay and stay it did, through an afternoon and evening of cease- 
less shelling and threatened counter-attacks. November 5 witnessed the virtual 
conquest of the hill. The 316th held it, but could not cross it, and not a German 
remained on the crest. One of General Pershing's objects was realized. No 
longer could the Boche use the prominent eminence of la Borne de Cornouiller 
to enfilade the American line west of the Meuse. 

The Browning heavies were of great assistance in holding the position. The 
platoon of "D" Company, 312th Machine Gun Battalion, under Captain Edward 
G. Bothwell,^^ had advanced with the attacking battalion on the right of the 
line. One gun had been disabled on the Borne, another was in a right forward 
position in case of attacks from that vicinity, and the other two were withdrawn 
to the rear to bring fire on the left of the crest. All three weapons served the 
purpose of keeping the Boche out of sight and several times broke up small con- 
centrations which gave indications of developing into counter-attacks.'" Ser- 
geant Adam Colaizzi, of this platoon, distinguished himself by locating and killing 
a sniper who had been firing at him, and capturing another. On the dead man 
he found a map showing the enemy defense system. He delivered this to the 
proper authorities and then returned, whereupon he and First Sergeant Wallace 
T. Price, armed only with pistols, set out to reduce a machine gun nest which 
was annoying them. They succeeded in their mission and brought in a prisoner. ^^ 
Corporal Thomas Cullen and Private 1st cl Randall G. Klinetob, of the platoon, 
were killed during the day. Three other men in the 312th INIachine Gun Battalion 
were also killed. They were Private Raymond C. Bonny, of Company "A"; 
and Privates Milton Stern and John F. Strohecher, both of Company "C". 

The 310th Machine Gun Battalion, lying with the Second Battalion below 
the crest of the hill, suffered exceedingly from machine gun and sniper fire,*^ hav- 
ing many wounded and one man. Private John W. Leary, Company "A", killed. 
Three men. Privates John R. Bauernfeind, Charles E. Simpson and Benjamin 
G. Stankunos, performed a gallant act of rescue when they "voluntarily left a 
place of safety, went forward 40 meters under machine gun fire in plain view of 
the enemy, and rescued another soldier who had been blinded by a machine gun 
bullet and was helplessly staggering about." Another group of four men from 
the battalion, consisting of First Lieutenant Jay W. Sterner, Bugler Abraham 
Malenofsky and Privates Herman S. Taylor and Raymond E. Flemming, per- 
formed with the same gallantry when they "left a trench under direct observation 
and direct machine gun fire of the enemy to bring into safety a wounded member 
of their battalion, who was lying beyond a wire entanglement, which made the 
work of rescue extremely diflScult and dangerous."'^ 



244 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Of the same heroic mould was the conduct of Lieutenant Michael D. Clo- 
fine, of Company "M", 316th Infantry. He was reconnoitering the front near 
"K" Company with Lieutenant James M. Guiher, the liaison officer, when the 
latter was wounded by machine gun fire. Lieutenant Clofine carried Lieutenant 
Guiher back to the lines," where, still under machine gun fire, he. Sergeant Mat- 
thew D. Schugar of "K" Company, and Private 1st cl Herman H. Garson, carried 
the wounded lieutenant on a stretcher to a first aid station. Two runners of the 
316th Infantry were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for unusual bravery 
in the face of the enemy. Corporal Herman G. Paustian, Company "D," volun- 
tarily carried several messages along the line of shell hole groups on the very crest 
of Hill 378, exposed to direct enemy machine gun fire, after seeing several runners 




P. C. Manning — Poste de Command of the 316th Infantry during the fighting on Hill 
378, November, 4th to 6th, 1918, Cross Roads, Bois de Consenvoya. 

killed on the same mission. Private Clarence Frey of the Headquarters Com- 
pany, carrying a message from Regimental Headquarters to the front lines, went 
through a barrage, and though seriously wounded, crawled across an open space 
under direct machine gun fire and completed his mission. 

At 16h 30 that same afternoon of November 5, General Johnson telephoned 
the following resume of conditions in the 316th Infantry to Colonel Ross, the 
Division Chief of Staff :M 

"316th Regiment of this brigade has been engaged for three days 
in what may be called a minor operation, but the task assigned to 
it has been one of extreme diflBculty owing to the objectives being 
dominating points and the whole area in which the objective was 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



245 



situated being covered by machine gun and artillery fire of the 
enemy. The objective was gained but at a very heavy loss. The 
Lieut. Colonel now in command of the regiment, who has been on 
the objective for two days and over every part of the line, esti- 
mates that the present effective strength of the regiment is about 
600. In one instance he told me that out of three companies 
which he immediately commanded, that the loss due to machine 
gun and minenwerfer fire was 50 per cent, and there were similar 
losses, in his opinion, in other parts of the line. The extent of 
front now held by this regiment is 3,000 meters. Every company 
with one exception, is now on the line and even under those condi- 
tions is holdmg it but thinly. The one company mentioned is in 
reserve. The position is organized and will be held, but I believe 
that the regiment should be relieved and re-organized before it 
can be effective for any further work." 

Both regiments of the 158th Infantry Brigade had paid a heavy toll in men 
killed in action and died of wounds during November 5, many of the fatalities 
recorded in the 315th Infantry having been sustained in the night of November 
4-5, while the First Battalion was still on the front line. The fatalities were: 

315th Infantry 



Company "B" 
Privates William E. Hawk 
John J. Nocito 
Ralph A. Sauter 
Carlo Scaglio 
Ray E. Stidham 

Company "C" 
Sergeants John J. Read 

Louis Oerlemans 
Bugler Edward L. Archer 
Privates Leo Raczkowski 
Harry A. Shively 
Louis Stein 
Stephen Terzitta 

Company "D" 

Corporal Peter Kerr 

Privates William Baltodozzis 
Lee N. Cook 
Morris Kriderman 
Walter E. Mussack 

Company "E" 

Sergeant Apau Kau 

Corporals David Sauberblatt 
Richard G. Weise 

Pvt. 1st cl Clarence J. Anderson 

Privates Thomas H. McCool 
James P. Fahey 
Stephen Mashk 
Clinton E. Smith 
William T. Steinhauer 



Company "F" 
Sergeant Leo Brazek 
Private Benjamin F. Deitz 

Company "H" 
Pvt. 1st cl Ernest A. Stout 
Privates John Carson 

James S. Galloway 

Benjamin Schwartz 

Company "K" 
Sergeants Harry L. Greenwood 
Andrew C. Shagran 
Louis C. Symington 
Corporals John Ayre, Jr. 

Pasquale D'Amato 
Stephen G. Fritz 
David Gould 
Lorenzo Lobaccaro 
Pvts. 1st cl WiUiam H. Duke 

Thomas W. Rauschenberger 
Privates George D. Blaney 
Clyde Jacobs 
James L. Kinney 
John L. Lynch 
William P. Mann 
Horace J. O'Donnell 
Henry L. Rodes 
Anthony Samakavitz 
William A. Sievers 

Headquarters Company 
Privates Walter E. Lambs 
Norris B. Mentz 



246 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




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LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 247 

316th Infantry 

Company "A" Company "H" 

Mechanic Sylvester G. Miller Corporal William H. McKimmie 

Private Francesco Mallozzi 
Company ;'B" 
Privates Amadio Diberardino Company "I" 

Jackson L. Frey Sergeant Guy P. Butler 

Thomas E. Gaynor Corporal Walter S. Ebe^sole 

Frank F. Graeber Pvt. 1st cl Herbert J. Simon 

Private Howard R. Suplee 
Company "D" 
Corporals James A. Swan Company "K" 

Gustave V. Thomson Pvt. 1st cl Peter A. Warsewicz 

Company "E" Company "L" 

Private Herman E. Price Private David Simon 

Company "F" Company "M" 

Pvt. 1st cl Michael J. Gavaghan Corporal Frank C. Rebel 

Machine Gun Company 
Corporal David M. Thornton 

The Second Battalion of the 313th Infantry, lying since October 31 in the 
Cote des Roches as a part of the Division Reserve, had been designated in Field 
Order No. 31, 79th Division, issued on the night of November 4, as "at the dispo- 
sition of the Commanding General, 158th Infantry Brigade, from 7h, November 
5, as Brigade Reserve."" The battalion had marched out from the Cote des 
Roches at 7h, November 5, and proceeded via Brabant to the Bois de Consen- 
voye, where its commander. Captain George C. Burgwin, reported it, as directed, 
to Lieutenant Colonel Haedicke, who in turn ordered it moved forward during 
the night of November 5-6, to the northern end of the Bois de Consenvoye to 
await further orders. ^^ The same evening it arrived in position, long after the 
fighting ahead on la Borne de Cornouiller had settled down to a night of shell fire. 
Plans were on foot to make imnaediate use of this comparatively fresh unit for the 
attack of the morrow. Division P. C. at Vacherauville had received Special 
Order No. 22, "XVII" Corps, which, stating that the Tliird American Corps 
had crossed the Meuse to the northward during the day, directed also that pres- 
sure should continue on the front of the 158th Brigade and an attack, along the 
same lines as that of November 5, should be launched on November 6.^^ Conse- 
quently, Field Order No. 32, 79th Division, issued at 21h 30 on the night of Novem- 
ber 5, ordered the advance to be begun at 8h 30 with the Second Battalion, 313th 
Infantry, as the attacking unit and a battalion from the 315th, to be selected by 
General Johnson, in support. The artillery preparation would begin at 8h and 
would be adequate to cover the advance.^' 

The attack of November 6, however, did not materialize. The enemy may 
have been beaten back further north along the Meuse, but on November 6 the 
hostUe guns were still in force in the high ground beyond la Borne de Cornouiller. 
The Second Battalion of the 313th and the Third Battalion of the 315th, the 
latter under Major Lloyd, and designated as the support battalion, were caught in 



@48 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



a terrible concentration of high explosives, shrapnel and gas in the woods south 
of the Borne, while advancing toward the jump off position. The 313th Infan- 
try battalion, in particular, had several companies badly disorganized by the 
enemy fire, and was totally unable to advance behind the barrage at 8h 30.^* The 
support battalion did not suffer quite the same concentration and held its posi- 
tion, the men inspired by gallant conduct on the part of their leaders, two of 
whom. Captain George L. Wright, ^^ of "L" Company, and First Sergeant Karl 
G. Ley,^" of the same company, went from shell hole to shell hole under the heavy 
fire and both encouraged the men and directed them to better places of safety. 
"B" Company, 310th Machine Gun Battalion, also suffered heavily, one shell 
making a direct hit on the Company P. C, killing Private Norman S. Taylor, 




P. C. OF THE 316th Infantry in the Bois de Consenvotb, Oct. 28th-Nov. 4th. Later 
Advance P. C. of the 158th Infantry Brigade, Nov. 5th-10th. 

mortally wounded Sergeant Franklin A. Schall. and seriously wounding five of- 
ficers and men.^^ In "A" Company, of the same battalion. Privates 1st cl Paul 
G. Schoelkope and John J. Williams were killed, as was Private Clifford M. Stitely, 
Company "B", 312th Machine Gun Battalion. 

Under the order issued by the 158th Brigade, the attacking battalion of the 
313th was to pass through the outpost line on the southern crest of the hill held 
by the provisional battalions of the 316th under Captains Clock and Strong, 
and then this latter force was to withdraw, the Third Battalion, 316th, main- 
taining its position to the right, however. Upon the Borne, therefore, the men 
of the 316th waited expectantly for the attacking column and were disappointed 
and alarmed when the morning passed without its appearance. It was located 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 249 

finally in the woods about a kilometer south of the front line and Captain Burg- 
win made his way forward to Captain Clock's post, reporting the situation re- 
garding the demoralization of the units under him through the telephone at that 
spot. He believed his men would be reorganized for a delayed attack to be launched 
at 14h, and arrangements were made accordingly, but again the German heavies, 
concentrating a terrific barrage just over the brow of the Borne, caught the ad- 
vancing battalion and swept it to shelter.'^ Private Hallie J. Graham, Company 
"'E", 316th Lifantry, a runner, passed through the barrage twice in delivering 
messages between the battalion and "E" Company's P. C. Over to the right, on 
the front, two men of "K" Company, 316th, performed bravely amid this shell 
fire concentration. They were Sergeant Howard F. Frantz, who was killed while 
fearlessly endeavoring to bring in a detail holding an advanced trench,^'' and Pri- 
vate 1st cl Rhinehart Peterson, who volunteered and took over alone an outpost 
from which three men had been driven.^* By the time the 313th Mas again or- 
ganized, it was too late to attack that day and, under directions from General 
Johnson, the battalion proceeded after dark to relieve the two provisional battal- 
ions of the 316th on the south crest of the Borne, preparatory to launching an 
attack on the following morning.^'* During the night the front was held by the 
Second Battalion, 313th, on the left and the Third Battalion, 316th, on the right, 
with the Third Battalion, 315th Lifantry, supporting the left of the line and ready 
to follow over when the attack should go forward. The front of the 315th In- 
fantry remained unchanged with the Second Battalion in the line and the First 
Battalion in support. 

The fatalities of the day among the enlisted men in the two regiments and 
one battalion of the 313th had been as follows: 

313th Infantht 
Third Battillion. 

Company "E" Company "H" 

Privates Eric Bradley Privates Dolphus M. Burdett 

Clemie Byrd Frank J. Carney 

Beaufort Hoen 
Company "F" John R. Kaiser 

Pvt. 1st cl George F. Sherwood Charles G. Kunzert 

Private Earl C. Kelley Henry Schumacher 

Vaughn C. Wyatt 
Company "G" 
Pvt. 1st cl Charles W. Fisher 

3 15th Infantry 

Company "A" Company "F" 

Private William Welker Private Wilbur A. Guthrie 

Company "C" Company "H" 

Private John F. Bishop Private Joseph Reitz 

Company "D" . 

Private Fred Baumeister 



250 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




L.-R. Chief Staff 17th C. A. C. — St. Serge. Fleurt, General Claudiol — Maj. Gen. Kuiin 

AFTER A DISCUSSION OF THE "Pl.VN OF PURSUIT," VACHERAU\^LLE, NoV. 1918. 




POSTE BE COMMANDE, SloTH IxFANTRY, NEAR MoLLEVILTE FaRM OcT. 29TH-NoV. 9tII. 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



251 



316th Infantry 



Company "B" 
Corporal Andrea F. Gabriele 
Pvt. 1st cl Elmer H. Brechbill 
Privates Walter A. Eavrts 

Michael J. Flaherty 
Peter A. Hanson 
Ben Kaufman 
William McClusky 
Ira I. Powell 
Guiseppe SaUese 

Company "D" 
Pvt. 1st cl William A. Riegel 
Privates Chris N. Johnson 
Bennett Ulven 



Company "F" 
Private Pasquale INIinuello 

Company "I" 
Privates Felice Sangrermano 
Kider Starita 

Company "K" 
Sergeant Howard H. Frantz 
Corporal John P. Henn 
Private John D. Beck 

Company "L" 
Private Franklin Howard 



On the night of November 6-7, the control of the area east of the Meuse 
passed from the XVII French Corps to the II French Corps,'^ Major General 
Claudel, however, remaining in command. His signature is attached to Special 
Order No. 821, the first official word by the new Corps to the Seventy-ninth 
Division, and which was received by General Kuhn late in the evening.'" The 
order stated that the principal lines of resistance on the First American Army 
front had been broken; that the enemy troops were disorganized and his reserves 
absorbed; that east of the Meuse the Germans were in retreat, although main- 
taining strong resistance on the advanced lines, and that the assault would con- 
tinue the following morning. Regarding the task assigned to the Seventy-ninth 
Division, it was practically a reiteration of previous orders:'" 

The first phase of the operation will consist in going clearly 
beyond the position we have here mentioned [la Borne de Corn- 
ouiller] and to assure the conquest of the first objective. The 
progress will after this be continued in the direction of the north. 

The detailed arrangements were taken care of in Field Order No. 33, 79th 
Division, issued shortly before midnight on November 6." It provided that the 
artillery preparation fire should begin at 7h 45 and that the attacking columns 
should move forward at 8h 10, the assault to be carried out by the same battalions 
which were to have been used on November 6. The first objective was given as 
the road running from Sivry-sur-Meuse to Reville, at a point due north of la Borne 
de Cornouiller and one kilometer distant. "An advance beyond this line will be 
made only upon orders of the Division Commander," the order set forth." 

The relief by the Second Battalion of the 313th Infantry on the southern 
crest of the Borne during the early evening of November 6 had released all units 
of the 316th Infantry, except "I" and "K" and a portion of "L" Companies, 
holding the line through Bois de la Grande Montague to the east. It had also 
released "K" Company, 315th Infantry. This latter unit had been sent back 
to its regimental sector and attached to the First Battalion.'^ With practically 
all of the 316th withdrawn from the front. General Johnson, at 21h, November 
6, directed Lieutenant Colonel Haedicke to take over the reorganization of his 



252 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




Effect of shell fire on narrow gauge railroad on crest of hill above Molleville Farm, 

Dead Boche beside the track. 




P. C. Strong, from which was directed the first attacks on hill 378. 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLES (HILL 378) 253 

regiment and "turn the command of the 158th Brigade Detachment over to Lt. 
Col. Burt at 8h 15, Novemher 7."'- In the meanwhile, to replace at least one of 
the battalion commanders — Manning was dead and Parkin missing — Major H. 
Harrison Smith, brigade adjutant of the 158th Infantry Brigade, had been assigned, 
on November 6th, to the 316th Infantry. Reporting to General Kuhn, he was 
instructed to proceed to the firing line and to take command, holding the position 
at all costs. The Major's diary quotes General Kuhn's inspiring words in this 
brief interview at Vavherauville : 

Telling me of the situation on Hill 378, and of the desperate 
fighting in which the 316th had been engaged, the General said: 

"They have done the impossible. You must hold the position 
at all cost. Do you understand what that means?" 

I said "Yes Sir." 

He said, "Don't ask me for reinforcements for I have none 
I can send you; you must hold with what men you have." He 
spoke slowly and impressively — and after a pause, he said: 

"For the honor of your Division, for the honor of your Reg- 
iment, for the honor of yourself, you will hold at all cost. Do you 
understand, Major Smith.''" 

I said "Yes Sir." 

He said, "That is all," and saluted, and I saluted and left. 

Major Smith and Captain Herbert V. Lindsay, Headquarters Company, 
316th Infantry, were sent forward at Ih 30, November 7 with copies of the brigade 
field order for Captain Burgwin, conmianding the Second Battalion, 313th. and 
Major Lloyd, commanding the Third Battalion, 315th. At 6h 30, Captain Burgwin 
telephoned from the advance P. C. on the south slope of the Borne that his battalion 
was developed and ready .^^ The attack was to be launched on a two company 
front and the disposition of the units was as follows: Front line, left. Company 
"G" (75 men under Captain John B. Luckie); right, Company "E" (65 men under 
First Lieutenant Rodney M. Steinman); Support line, left. Company "F" (40 
men); right. Company "H" (60 mwn).'^ The battalion of the 315th in reserve 
had orders to follow the advance at 600 yards. '^ It was arranged with Company 
"L" on the right (90 men under Lieutanant George S. Freeman)^" and Com- 
pany "M" on the left (125 men under Captain George L. Wright. Company "I"' 
was in the centre in support. It had eighty men under First Lieutenant Carl W. 
Wentzell.^" The total effectives in both battalions was about 500 men. In ad- 
dition the non-commissioned staff of the provisional battalions which the 316th 
had formed during the two preceding days was turned over to the new Brigade 
Detachment to maintain the entire liaison system. *' 

Promptly at 7h 45 the artillery barrage began, the Division 75 's and 155's 
pounding the entire rolling country north of the Borne, leaving the barrage for 
the north summit of the hill to the heavy Brownings. This was delivered by four 
guns, comprising a platoon of "D" Company, 312th Machine Gun Battalion, 
under First Lieutenant Lester A. Bennet,^" and three platoons from the 310th 
Machine Gun Battalion, two from "A" Company and one from "B" Company^ 



254 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTYlNINTH DIVISION 



under Captain Laurence D. Savidge.'' Two of the "D" Company guns were on 
the right flank in an outpost position, and two were in the support line. The guns 
of the 310th were on the left flank. The morning was foggy and the men in jump- 
ing off at 8h 10 could scarcely see seventy-five yards in front of them.** The first 
rush carried the 313th over the northern crest of the Borne, where twenty-five 
Germans were captured before they could offer any resistance.^^ In the first 
half hour the attack had traveled a full 200 meters. Captain Burgwin reporting 
by telephone that machine gun resistance was becoming stronger from the M'oods 
to the right. '^ 

In the meanwhile, five minutes after the attack had started, Lieutenant 
Colonel Haedicke turned the command over to Lieutenant Colonel Franklin T. 




. >-<».•*«» 



fi^.-i. 



Ttpkal Machine Gun Nest in Bois de l.\ Grande Montagne. 

Burt, of the 315th Infantry, who had joined the latter regiment on October 30, 
and Lieutenant Colonel Burt handled the subsequent steps of the advance. From 
the very moment that the American artillery preparation began the absence of 
hea^'y enemy retaliatory fire became noticeable. There were no such concen- 
trations as had broken up the attacks planned for the day before. Evidently 
the enemy was hauling back his heavies and the artiUery fire was less severe than 
during any of the days which had gone before. The assaulting columns, in fact, 
had more trouble with one American 75, the shots from which were falling short 
on the road leading northward along the east of the advance sector, than they 
had with the Boche artillery.^- This matter of regarding the shots falling short 
was remedied about lOh.^- 



LA BORNE DE CORNOl ILLER (HILL 378) 255 

The rapid progress of the movement M'as developing a situation which might 
grow serious if not altered. This was the fact that every meter advanced threw 
the right flank further and further into the air. As Captain Burgwin had re- 
ported, the chief resistance was coming from the Bois de la Grande Montague to 
the east of the advance, and, if the enemy should prove to have remained in force 
there, the danger of an enveloping movement which would cut off the attacking 
columns was ever present. This condition only existed on the right, as, from 
reports received through Division sources, the 15th French Colonials, on the left, 
were well abreast, if not ahead of the battalion of the 313th. Lieutenant Colonel 
Burt took steps to remedy the danger from the right flank at lOh 15, telephoning 
to the advance P. C. on la Borne de Cornouiller a request that Major Lloyd, 
commanding the support, come to the telephone. Before a runner coiJd reach 
Major Lloyd with the message, however, another runner, from Captain Luckie, 
commanding "G" Company, 313th, the left forward company, arrived at the 
battalion P. C. and the following message was telephoned to the Lieutenant Colo- 
nel -r- 

"Company E have taken objective; no resistance. Only two 
prisoners. Have lost contact with my left platoon. I do not see 
any evidence of French on left. I am using F Company to fill 
in gap on left. Machine gun fire seems to be coming from woods 
in front. Where are any machine guns for counter-attack to pro- 
tect my left flank.' Believe if artillery, which is still firing in 
front of me, would increase range, it would drive some of the ma- 
chine guns out. Request a support Companv to swing out on my 
left." 

The desired machine guns were already on the way. Sergeant Martin Gal- 
lagher, of Company "A", 310th Machine Gun Battalion, taking advantage of 
the fog, was pushing his platoon further front until it was in perfect support posi- . 
tion, while the necessary ammunition was being supplied through the efforts of 
Sergeant Clyde R. Stout, whose proudest record is that for three days he kept his 
company so supplied that no gun was ever obliged to cease firing because of lack 
of ammunition. ^^ Meanwhile, Major Lloj'd returned to the telephone at lOh 50 
and was instructed to use Company "L" to protect the right flank of the advance 
and, if necessary, two squads of the adjoining company, but the balance of "I" 
and "M" Companies were not to be committed, but should be retained in re- 
serve.'^ Major Lloyd's battalion at that time was just to the north of the Borne, 
and he at once complied with the order, dropping off squad after squad of "L" 
Company as he moved forward. These little groups performed heroically in their 
protective work, Sergeant Frank L. Kirk demonstrating "fitness and gallantry,"'*' 
and Private 1st cl Joseph Szalkoski volunteering for a dangerous patrol to see 
that the woods were clear. ^° 

The complete accomplishment of the advance specified in Field Order No. 
33 — to the Sivry-sur-Meuse-Re^-ille road — was reported in detail to Lieutenant 
Colonel Burt at llh 5, as follows :^^ 

"From E Company, 313th. First line report front on left; 
have stopped to dig in. We prolong this line to the right, our 
line 200 yards in open, 150 yards in wood. Left of line says he is 



256 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



on objective so I am digging in. Boche machine guns to front 
and right front very annoying. Could well place one or two 
machine guns. Estimate my advance 500 yards from starting 
point diie north. My outfit just over crest of the small ridge on 
forward slope." 

Shortly afterwards Lieutenant Colonel Burt directed the Third Battalion of 
the 316th Infantry to determine whether the enemy was withdrawing from the 
Bois de la Grande Montague in front of it. Patrols established that the enemy 
still held the woods in force. Meanwhile, at llh 35, General Johnson notified 
the Brigade Detachment commander that he wanted the Second Battalion of the 
313th Infantry reorganized on the objective for a further advance, the new ob- 
jective being the trenches at les Claires ChSne, on Hill 329, another kilometer 
further north. °^ The reorganization was completed by 13h 10, at which time 
the 30-lth Field Signal Battalion detachment had run a spur telephone line for- 
ward to the advance P. C. of Captain Burgwin's command a short distance south 




German Prisoners passing through the Village of Bkabant-sur-Meuse, Nov. 3, 1918. 

of the newly conquered objective. General Johnson, at 13h 05, had ordered that 
Major Lloyd take command of the advance, using Captain Burgwin's battalion 
in the van and his own in support, and this message was relayed forward at 13h 
10, with the following from Lieutenant Colonel Burt:^^ 

"You will advance line approximately 600 meters. Move 
, your supporting companies when you start to within 400 meters 

of your advancing companies. Use your support companies for 
protecting right flank. Are you ready to travel.'' Push ahead 
vigorously and keep me informed of your P. C. Make a hard 
push of it. Go ahead and jump off." 

But the attack did not "jump off" just then. The American barrage, falling 
short, effectively stopped what the Germans had not been able to. At 14h 15 
Lieutenant Colonel Burt learned that no advance had been made. He sent a 
wrathful call for Major Lloyd to know why and the latter explained quickly enough 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



257 



over the telephone. As a result a hurry call went back to General Johnson at 
14h 30 :5-^ 

"Artillery fire is falling short of our line "200 or 300 yards. 
They report that artillery fire in woods on right does not seem 
necessary. Wants artillery cut off right away but if to be con- 
tinued, throw it further into woods north of Bois Vaux and around 
the objective." 

Shortly afterwards the difficulty was remedied and the assault began at loh. 
General Johnson had, meanwhile, ordered the First Battalion, 313th Infantry, 
north from the Bois de Brabant, where it lay in Division Reserve, and notified 
Lieutenant Colonel Burt that it could be used as a second support battalion for 
the attack then in progress.'^ It did not reach Lieutenant Colonel Burt's P. C, 
however, until after 17h and was only sent as far forward as the south .slope of 
Hill 378 where it remained in support along the right flank. 




A FAIR S.VMPLE OF THE DENSE WIRE ENTANGLEMENTS WTIICH OPPOSED OUR ADVANCING IN- 
FANTRY. 

Far north, in the gathering dusk of an early fall night, the advance battalions 
pushed valiantly ahead against a resistance which stiffened and which was chiefly 
from machine guns. The artillery barrage rolled ahead of it until 16h 10 when 
once more, according to reports from the front, "it was falling squarely on our 
advance."'^ Shortly afterwards, with targets uncertain, the barrage ceased, the 
infantry pushing along alone until 18h, when the advance companies of the 313th 
were held up by a murderous machine gun fire from the trenches in les Claires 
Chenes. Two Browning heavies from "D" Company, 312th Machine Gun Bat- 
talion, had been pushed forward by Lieutenant Bennet and these found a target 
or two in the darkness.^" Company "I", 315th Infantry, passed through the 
depleted ranks of the 313th, and two volunteers. Corporal Benjamin A. Evans 
and Private William Bryson, pushed forward alone over about 100 yards of un- 
known ground until they had located the enemy wires and the trench on les Claires 
Chene.*^ Fifteen minutes later, the combined force, 313th and 315th units com- 



258 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



mingled, with Lieutenant Wentzeli, of "I" Company in the van,^" swarmed over 
the trenches and up over the crest of Hill 329. Down into the ravine facing the 
Bois des Vaux they hurled themselves, and the last objective was won.'^ Across 
the ravine, behind protection of barbed wire and underbrush, the enemy main- 
tained a violent machine gun and sniper fire, but the victorious little group, now 
far less than the original 500 who started out, dug in and organized the position. 
La Borne de Cornouiller, that grim menace upon which the 316th had sacrificed 
many of its best, was two kilometers behind them, and the offensive of November 
7 had progressed far beyond even the most sanguine hopes. 

The success of November 7, however, had been made possible during those 
three earlier days of the month, and the appreciation of the Seventy-ninth Divi- 
sion for the achievement of one of its own regiments was well expressed subse- 
quently in a letter dated November 27, 1918, from General Kuhn to the com- 
manding officer of the 316th Infantry. It stated: 




Broken railhoad tracks near Molle\"Illb Farm. 

"In the final offensive on the heights east of the Meuse and 
north of Verdun, the task of breaking the enemy's resistance at 
the Borne de Cornouiller (Hill 378) devolved upon the 316th 
Regiment of Infantry. Stubbornly defended by the enemy, 
this tactically strong point presented an obstacle of the most seri- 
ous character. In spite of all difficulties, the regiment succeeded 
after three days hea^^ fighting, November 4th to 6th, in captur- 
ing and finally holding the Borne de Cornouiller, in breaking the 
enemy's resistance and contributing materially to driving the 
enemy from the heights east of the Meuse a few days later. 

Numerous authenticated instances of gallantry, tenacity 
and endurance have come to the Commanding General's notice 
proving beyond question that the Regiment acquitted itself with 
the greatest credit and in a manner worthy of the best American 
traditions. 

The Commanding General takes great pride in the achieve- 
ments of the Regiment and directs that you bring this letter to 
the attention of your command." 



LA BORNE DE CORNOUILLER (HILL 378) 



259 



The balance of the 158th Infantry Brigade front had been comparatively 
quiet during the daylight hours of November 7, but just at dusk — about the time 
the Brigade Detachment was springing toward its last objective — on the front 
facing the sector held by the Second Battalion, 315th Infantry, north and east 
of Molleville Farm, the period of quiet "was suddenly broken by a terrific out- 
pouring of shot and shell. "^^ The valley to the rear was filled with gas fumes 
and Boche machine gunners sprayed the lines viciously. The Second Battalion 
expected an attack and prepared for it by answering the enemy fire with all ma- 
chine guns on the front. But nothing happened. '° The whole occurrence may 
have been a bit of spleen on the part of the enemy because of the successes of the 
American troops on the left. The deadly interchange of shells, machine guns 
and gas, however, resulted in numerous casualties. 

The price in lives paid by the 316th Infantry during the preceding days 
has been shown from day to day. The fatalities of the final day of the drive to 
the north, November 7, including both killed in action and died of wounds in the 
158th Brigade infantry and the two battalions of the 313th Infantry then form- 
ing a part of it, were as follows: 



313th Infantry 
First and Second Battillion. 



Company "B" 
Private John J. Hines 



Company "D" 
Private Gustave E. Olson 



Company "C" 
Private Herman Winter 



Company "G" 
Corporal Charles S. Pyle 
Private Lester Woodruff 



315th Infantry 



Company "A" 
Private Anthony Barbozcvricz 



Company "C" 
Private 1st cl Charles E. Wrigley 
Privates Theodore O. Brown 
William M. Paynter 

Company "D" 
Private Francis F. Carton 



Company "E" 
Corporal Raymond F. Kuhl 
Privates Theodore Borowski 
George J. Dieterle 
W'alter O. Skinner 

Company "F" 
Private George B. Kolp 

Company "H" 
Private Frank Pahls 



316th Infantry 



Company "I" 
Private Clemens Karchansky 

Company "K" 
Pvt. 1st cl Charles J. O'Kane 

Company "L" 
Corporal William L. Weesner 
Pvt. 1st cl Franklin R. Koser 



Company "M" 
Sergeant John T. Curran 

Headquarters Company 
Corporal Samuel H. Ewart 



CHAPTER VIII 
THE MEUSE-ARGONNE THIRD PHASE 

Through the Heights to the Woevre Valley 

The narration of events culminating in the conquest of la Borne de Cornouiller 
and the further drive northward to the Haraumont Ridge during the first seven 
days in November, has excluded any record of the 157th Infantry Brigade. Be- 
fore the account of the progress of the Seventy-ninth Division, in the final drive 
of the war, should be carried forward from the evening of November 7, therefore, 
it becomes incumbent to leave the 158th Infantry Brigade and its Brigade Detach- 
ment, for the time being, and revert to the southern section of the Division sector. 
As has been stated previously, the 157th Infantry Brigade took over this sector, 
from the northern brigade of the Twenty-sixth American Division, on the night of 
October 31-November 1, sending two battalions of the 314th Infantry, one battal- 
ion of the 313th Infantry and one company of the 311th Machine Gun Battalion 
into the line. 

The front of the 157th Infantry Brigade was about two kilometers in length. 
It faced almost due east, save at the northern extremity where it curved somewhat 
to the west to establish contact with the line of the 315th Infantry in the heart 
of the woods where the Bois de Wavrille and Belleu Bois merged. From that 
point it ran southeastward through the centre of Belleu Bois, turned due south 
across the Ravine de la Reine to the eastern tip of the Bois des Chenes, traversed 
it and crossed the Samogneux-Crepion road in the open, to plunge into the Bois 
d'Ormont beyond. Through the Bois d'Ormont the line ran along the western 
side of Cote 360 (held by the Germans on the summit) and continued below the 
woods a half kilometer in the open, joining the line of the Twenty-sixth Division 
at the lower extremity. That section between the Bois de Wavrille and the Bois 
d'Ormont was held by the 314th Infantry with the First Battalion on the left in 
Belleu Bois and the Second Battalion on the right in the Bois des Chenes, the 
Third Battalion, in reserve, having two companies behind each of the front line 
battalions. The Machine Gun Company was assigned to support the First Bat- 
talion, and the one-pounder and trench-mortar platoons of the Headquarters 
Company were located on the extreme right of the Second Battalion, with a view 
to their subsequent use in the reduction of Cote 360.^ Company "C", 311th 
Machine Gun Battalion, was used to support the Second Battalion, 314th Infantry, 
in the Bois des Chenes, the balance of the Machine Gun Battalion being retained 

(260) 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



261 




(lerman Machine Gun position. 
Note tlie liixlv of oiu- nf our men who fell in an effort to take it biuyle handed 




This hospital Orderly is Crouching in a hole made by a direct hit on a First Aid Station, of 
THE 316th Infantry, Wounded men were being dressed inside when the shell struck. 
Bois DE Consenvoye, Nov. 5, 1918. 



262 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



in reserve in the Cote des Roches. From the northern end of the Bois d 'Ormont 
south to the point of liaison with the Twenty-sixth Division, the front was held 
by a single battalion of the 313th Infantry, the First, with the regimental Machine 
Gun Company in support, and the Third Battalion in the Bois de Brabant, a 
kilometer in the rear, also in support. The Second Battalion remained in the 
C6tes des Roches as a Division Reserve until called to the northward on the night 
of November 5 to aid the 158th Brigade. 

The relief along the entire 157th Brigade front, with the exception of the 
Machine Gun Company, 314th Infantry, was completed at 2h, November 1, and 
just an hour later the Fifty-second Artillery Brigade opened an intense fire upon 
the German positions. The result was a retaliation from the Boche guns which 
inflicted "a great many casualties" upon the 314th Infantry^ and some also in 
the 313th Infantry. This hostile bombardment, which was not confined to the 
front lines, but raked the whole length of Death Valley, continued throughout the 
entire night. It stopped the Machine Gun Company, S14th Infantry, which 




Upper Death Valley near Ormont Farm. 

had taken the wrong road, preventing its advance to its assigned position until 
the following night. ^ In addition, it wrought havoc among carrying details, 
details at work on regimental dumps and detachments already busy under direc- 
tion of signal corps men in stringing telephone wires from battalion P. C 's back to 
regimental headquarters. Within an hour wounded men were streaming into the 
advance dressing station which Ambulance Company 313 had set up during the 
night just above Samogneux, being evacuated down the Crepion-Samogneux 
road on wheel litters amid a hurricane of shell fire. That road, the only one leading 
up through Death Valley, could be used as far as Ormont Fme, lying west of the 
Bois d 'Ormont. Beyond that point, the road ran northeastward between the 
Bois des Chenes and the Bois d 'Ormont, passing finally straight out through the 
American lines across "No Man's Land" and into the German trench .system. 
It is a road of poignant memories, just as was the Malancourt-Montfaucon road 
in the September drive, and the Consenvoye-Etraye road to the 158th Brigade 
during those same November days. 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



263 



One concentration of shell fire that night practically wiped out a detail 
establishing an advance ammunition dump for the 314th Infantry near Ormont 
Fme. The non-commissioned officer in charge was killed and the men who escaped 
death or wounds were badly scattered. Regimental Sergeant Major Clarence A. 
Boston leaped to the breach, reorganized the command and continued the work, 
the dump being established finally despite the rain of high explosives and shrapnel. 
That night also developed individual acts of heroism among the ration carriers, 
a case in point being that of Private Earl L. Hannigan, Signal Platoon, Headquarters 
Company, 314th Infantry, who "volunteered and with great bravery carried 
rations three kilometers under intense artillery fire to his platoon."* 

Dawn found the two regiments already at M^ork trying to strengthen their 
positions. All day long the men in the front line companies, working with a 
limited number of entrenching tools, dug deeper trenches, while the support 
companies labored to provide dugout shelters capable of withstanding anything 




Beyond First Aid. 

except a direct hit.^ Throughout the day the enemy fire never slackened, and as 
night fell it still showed signs of continuing as it had before. On the front of 
the two battalions on either side of the Samogneux-Crepion road it died down 
after dusk, but an hour later was renewed. For an hour and a half an intense 
fire was rained upon the front lines, at the conclusion of which a strong German 
raiding party fell upon the outpost line of "A" Company, 313th Infantry, on the 
left of the battalion sector. The raiders struck a point defended by two squads> 
totalling nine men including the Corporals commanding, Trumen A. Hogg and 
Stephen Zaminski. The other members of the valiant band were Privates 1st cl. 
Stephen Nograpski, James H. Granger, Karol Kaczan and Walter Kozlowski and 
Privates Laurel M. Jones, Michael Sadowsky and Berdy Stankovich.' These 
nine, spotting the enemy in the darkness, opened fire with rifles and automatics, 
holding their ground despite the disparity in numbers and the rapid and deadly 



264 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

machine gun fire from the raiding party. Privates Nograpski and Granger were 
shot to death and Corporal Hogg sustained twenty-two wounds, but the balance 
of the tiny force stuck to their position and drove off the enemy with heavy casu- 
alties.'' On the left, where the enemy fire had also struck the right of the line 
of the 314th Infantry in the Bois des Chenes, Private James E. Shaffer, of the 
37mm. gun platoon. Headquarters Company, carried forward ammunition and 
served as gunner for one of the weapons despite the hostile barrage "showing a 
fearlessness and disregard of personal safety which was worthy of the best tradi- 
tions of our people. "^ At the same time, Second Lieutenant Herbert W. Pritchard, 
of the 311th Machine Gun Battalion company supporting the right of the 314th 's 
line, dared the shelling to make a tour of all the gun positions. He found several 
wounded men whom he carried back out of danger.^ In the same manner. Second 
Lieutenant William A. Durkin, of another platoon of the same company, left his 
dugout and went into the shelled area to rescue men whom he had been told 
were wounded.^ Three men in the company were killed, Privates Wade H. Jack- 
son, Harvey Montague and George H. Timmerman. The wounded in the 
battalions on either side of the Samogneux-Crepion road were carried back to 
a first aid station near Ormont Fme where Private Charles D. Winter, Medical 
Detachment, 314th Infantry, "operated a dressing station alone under heavy 
shell fire, constantly exposing himself to artillery and sniper fire while carrying 
men to safety."* 

The first twenty-four hours in the new sector had demonstrated to the 157th 
Brigade that its task of merely holding the ground and not attempting an advance 
was to prove costly. The fatalities among the enlisted men for the period bear 
mute testimony to this fact. 

313th Infantry 
Company "A" Company "H" 

Pvt. 1st cl James H. Granger Private Christopher T. Rourke 

Stephen J. Nograpski 
Private Ernest W. Elliott Company "K" 

Privates Henry A. Braunschweiger 
Company "C" James Nudo 

Private Thomas R. Bopst 

Headquarters Comp^'any 
Company "D" Private Aaron M. Lowenstein 

Private Michael Krapiah 

314th Infantry 
Company "A" W^illiam E. Haupt 

Private William T. Davis George L. Salstonstall 

John F. Zabloskey 
Company "B" 
Sergeant Carl L. Coolidge Company "C" 

Corporals Joseph P. Dearie Privates Thomas M. Briscoe 

Thomas Roy John R. Kemery 

Murven R. Yaudes George J. Kalivay 

Pvt. 1st cl Alfred J. Cote Harold D. Landis 

Privates Darrell W. Byerly William H. Lanier 

Thomas Fox Johji J. Murphy 

Michael Giano Lloyd A. Rothermel 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



'265 



Company "E" 
Private Alfred J. Petipas 

Company "G" 
Corporal Dowd W. Crawford 
Bugler George McC. Robinson 

Company "H" 
Private David H. Lauck 



Company "K" 
Privates George D. Keiser 
Nevin C. Phillips 
Emil F. Schickle 
James F. Sweeney 

Supply Company 
Wagoners Samuel W. Hackett 
George B. May 



The wounded from the 157th Brigade began to reach the Advance Dressing 
Station of the 313th Ambulance Company early in the morning of November 2, 
and in the course of their further evacuation southward through Samogneux 
to the triage at Glorieux there developed an act of unusual heroism on the part 




One of our camoufl.\ged Water Carts a short distance back of our front line. 

of a dri^'er of one of the ambulances. He was Private 1st cl Charles R. Bodmer, 
Ambulance Company 313,^ of whom a citation states that "while evacuating 
wounded in full view of the enemy and under intense artillery fire, he attempted 
to repair his ambulance which a bursting shell had damaged, the same explosion 
killing the patient sitting on the seat beside him. Finding the car beyond repair. 
Private Bodmer, heedless of the shelling, returned on foot to the relay station, 
secured another ambulance, and carried his patients to safety."''' 

During the daylight hours of November 2, while there was little aerial activity 
on the part of the enemy, hostile gas shells were hurled constantly into the three 
woods where the 157th Brigade lay, making it necessary to wear gas masks for 
long stretches and rendering "the situation grave. "^ To make matters worse, 
in several instances the gas shells ruined the one hot meal a day which the regi- 
ments were seeking to serve their first line battalions, and the men were compelled 
to resort to their reserve rations. With nightfall, the enemy artillery fire was 



266 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

resumed. It caught a liaison group of Company "C", 313th Infantry, which had 
worked far over to the right of its Hne to estabhsh contact with the 103rd Infantry, 
Twenty-sixth Division. When the barrage opened the company of the 103rd 
Infantry withdrew and its officers advised Corporal Robert L. Thompson, com- 
manding the liaison group, to do likewise. Corporal Thompson, however, " not 
having received such orders from his own company, remained at his post. " During^ 
the heavy firing his detail was unable to return, and parties sent in search coidd 
not locate him. He maintained his position with his patrol for two days and two 
nights before being rescued and, when found, "ihad his detail well in hand, all 
equipment intact, although the men were absolutely exhausted."' 

At 5h 30, November 3, patrols were sent out from the right of the First Battal- 
ion, 314th Infantry, to develop the enemy positions, but were unsuccessful, re- 
turning to the lines about 8h with two men missing." Better fortune attended 
the effort of Private Jacob Bolen, Company '''C," 314th Infantry, who, although 
having been wounded during the night by a shell fragment which struck him in 
the head, made a lone reconnaissance just before dawn, leaving his outpost position 
and investigating what appeared to be an enemy machine gun nest. He returned 
to his company with valuable information which enabled them to better the out- 
guard positions.'^ 

During the night of November 2-3, the 314th Infantry had five men killed 
and eight wounded in an effort to bring up hot food. That was enough for Colonel 
Oury. '''After this experience," he reported, "the Regimental Commander 
decided to bring up food in the daytime, and consequently a schedule was made 
out, so that details from one battalion at a time only would be on the road during 
the day. This arrangement afforded the men a chance to get some cover in shell 
holes along the road during periods of heavy shelling. This served to reduce 
casualties to a minimum while feeding the regiment."^ The 313tli Infantry did 
not adopt the daylight plan but had all food cooked on the banks of the Canal 
de I'Est, paralleling the Meuse River on the eastern shore, and carried by the 
Supply Company's wagons over the heavily shelled road at night to the vicinity 
of Ormont Fme where carrying details took it forward to the battalion in the line. 
There could be no fires for cooking in either the First Battalion in the Bois d'- 
Ormont or the Third Battalion in the Bois de Brabant. The latter, in support, 
in fact, suffered from shell fire and gas almost as severely as the forward battalion. 
An illustration of this is found in the experience of Private Roland W. Abrams, 
Company "K", who, while carrying a message from battalion headquarters to 
the Regimental P. C. near Ormont Fme, was seriously injured in the lungs and 
eyes by mustard gas, but completed his mission before seeking medical attention.^* 

On the night of November 3, Company "B", 311th Machine Gun Battalion, 
moved up from the Cote des Roches to the Bois de Brabant, taking over a support 
position with the Third Battalion, 313th Infantry, and thus placing one-half 
of the 311th Machine Gun Battalion in support and one-half in reserve.' 

On the afternoon and evening of November 4 patrols were sent out from al- 
most all the companies in the three battalions on the front line. The first three 
were despatched from the Second Battalion, 314th Infantry, just before dusk. 
All of them worked their way into the Ravine de la Reine, lying between Belleu 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



267 



Bois and Bois des Chenes. The "G" Company patrol encountered enemy machine 
guns at two spots which they located by co-ordinates for future attention. The 
"E" Company patrol penetrated as far as an infantry outpost at the mouth of the 
Ravin la HazeUe, but its two occupants made off before they could be captured. 
Both going out and coming back the patrol was fired upon by machine gunswhich, 
from the location, were apparently part of a line of similar weapons, several of 
which had been located by the group from "G" Company. The patrol from "F" 
Company ran into three machine guns near the mouth of the Ravine de la Reine 
and withdrew. There were no casualties reported.'^ 

Four patrols from the 314th Infantry went out after dark, all on a mission to 
capture prisoners, one leaving from the First Battalion, and three from the 
Second. The patrol from the First Battalion, consisting of fourteen men, 
left at 19h 25 and reached the open area below the southeastern tip of 
Belleu Bois, where the enemy used numerous flares and forced the patrol back 
by heavy fire from machine guns. First Lieutenant John H. Hollinger led fifteen 




German Machine Gun disabled by a Direct Hit in the Water Jacket — Consenvoye cross 

ROADS. 

men from "G" Company northeastward into Belleu Bois! but the patrol was 
soon held up by machine guns from flank and front. The men sought to flank 
the guns, but every move they made drew fire, and, as the German artillery fire 
was also dangerous, the patrol finally withdrew. Fifteen men under Lieutenant 
William C. Little, of "E" Company, were endeavoring at about the same time 
to work their way into the Belleu Bois just south of the spot where Lieutenant 
Hollinger 's men were held up. This latter patrol also drew fire from machine 
guns on a plateau about twenty yards ahead. It endeavored to flank the position, 
but found itself infiladed. The men then sought to work around to the left, but 
ran into machine guns at frequent intervals over a distance of 300 yards and 
finally abandoned the attempt. In the course of its journey, the patrol came 
upon five empty emplacements. The third patrol from the Second Battalion, 
fifteen men under Second Lieutenant Joseph Cabla, of Company "F," worked 
its way to the mouth of the Ravin la HazeUe and found the line "strongly defended 



268 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

by naachine guns. " None of the patrols captured the prisoners they were seeking, 
but the results of the four were sufficient to indicate "that the enemy is holding 
his position with machine guns echeloned in depth, lightly supported by infantry."** 

Practically the same information was obtained by patrols sent out during the 
night of November 4-5 by the 313th Infantry, one of them, under Sergeant John 
John E. Coale, of "jK" Company, working its way out into the open land north 
of the Bois d'Ormont. Here it was caught in a sudden concentration of hostile 
artillery fire. Sergeant Coale kept his men well in hand and continued with his 
mission, running into machine guns eventually and withdrawing. 

Harassing artillery fire, which deluged the front lines during November 5, 
was turned suddenly into a terrific barrage after nightfall. In the first fifteen 
or twenty minutes of this hurricane of shell fire, the main telephone wire, connect- 
ing Regimental P. C, 314th Infantry, with the First and Second Battalions in 
the front line, was shot away. A hurry call went back to the signal platoon of 
Headcjuarters Company and Private Everett L. Lyons rushed forward through 
the barrage to find the break in the wire. In the darkness he groped about until 
he located the severed wire and quickly re-established connections. On his re- 
turn trip to regimental headquarters he was killed by shell fire.^ In a dozen other 
places some of the branch lines had gone out, being severed behind both regiments 
and almost as far southwest as Samogneux. On the front of the 313th Infantry, 
Private 1st cl Septimus E. Edmonds volunteered as a runner when the wires 
failed, and "made repeated trips through heavy artillery fire displaying remark- 
able courage and absolute disregard for his personal safety."' The same barrage 
caught the "C" Company ration detail coming up the road under Sergeant 
Clarence K. Wyatt, and scattered it at once. Sergeant Wyatt, however, gathered 
his men and kept on, knowing the importance of getting food to the men in the 
line.'' The shell fire that night tried the courage of the men of the 304th Field 
Signal Battalion detailed with the 157th Brigade. Theirs was the duty of main- 
taining communication between Samogneux and Ormont Fme, and they worked 
constantly through the heart of the bombardment, several of them already 
suffering from gas burns, but nevertheless sticking to the task. One was killed 
that night. Private Henning O. Peterson, of Company "C". A half dozen Divi- 
sion commendations went to these men later, the recipients being Sergeants 
David AV. Eister, Martin F. Finnegan and Clinton E. Wade, Corporals Earl 
D. Wetsel, Edward M. deVillbiss and Leonard C. Nenning, all of Company 
"C," and Privates Willie A. Price and Bernard A. Galloway, both of Company 
"g" 16 Xoward the conclusion of the barrage, in the early hours of November 
6, the Third Battalion, 313th Infantry, moved up and relieved the First Battalion 
in the front line, the latter falling back to the Bois de Brabant in support. ^^ At 
the same time, the First Battalion, 314th Infantry, exchanged the positions of 
the two companies holding the outposts and the two holding the main line of 
resistance. The Second Battalion, 314th Infantry, maintained the same front it 
had before, having three companies in the line. 

On the night of November 6-7, extensive combat and reconnaissance patrols 
were again carried on by all front line battalions. In the 313th, Sergeant Allen 
J. AVilliams, Company "I", led out a group which circled Hill 360 and ran into 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



269 



heavy machine gun and shell fire. It located the machine guns but could not 
flank them, and finally ■nithdrew to the line.' One of the most determined groups, 
a combat patrol of eight men under Corporal Tyson, left the line of the Second 
Battalion, 314th Infantry, at 17h, November 6 and remained out all night, re- 
turning at 7h 30, November 7. In that time it covered the entire clearing on 
either side of the Samogneux-Crepion road between the Bois des Chenes and the 
Bois d'Ormont, running into several machine guns and having one man slightly 
wounded." Three hours after Corporal Tyson's patrol left, another combat 
group of nineteen m.en under Lieutenant Little swung down into the Ravine de 
la Reine, and, after being fired on by numerous machine guns, finally lay in am- 
bush at the mouth of the ravine for two hours before dawn. It returned empty 
handed but reported the ravine mouth lined with machine guns, each protecting 
the other." The two fresh First Battalion companies each sent out a reconnais- 
sance patrol at 18h 30, November 6. The one from Company "B", consisting 
of a sergeant, two corporals and a private, made its way '250 yards up through 




German Machine Gun position enfilading a road for defense. 

Belleu Bois and encountered six machine guns working in pairs over a distance 
of seventy-five yards and flanked by many other guns. The patrol leader reported ■} 

"Signals could be heard distinctly as given on something 
which sounded similar to a Jews-harp. Heard sounds of machine 
gun jams, men talking, coughing, etc. Flares were thrown up at 
frequent intervals from flanks. Heard engine of train variety at 
about one mile distant north. Encountered no wire. Took no 
prisoners." 

The patrol from "A" Company, seven men including a sergeant, which worked 
out in somewhat the same direction, reported similar sounds and also that it 
"heard wagon with heavy rumble, perhaps due to mud, urged by driver going 
N. W., may have been ration cart, as corporal thought he heard noise of mess 
kits." At Ih, November 7, in an effort to find a gap somewhere in the line of 
machine guns on the ridge separating the Ravine de la Reine from the Ravine la 



270 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Hazelle, a patrol of seven men left the southeastern corner of Belleu Bois. The 
patrol worked its way for 500 meters along the ridge and found no place where 
it could break through, finally returning to the starting point at 2h 30.** 

Field Order No. 33, 79th Division, issued on the night of November 6, while 
relating chiefly to the 158th Brigade, had nevertheless, required that contact be 
kept with the enemy all along the Division front to see that he did not withdraw 
without molestation.'^ Acting under this, arrangements were made for a reconnais- 
sance in force by three strong combat groups from the Second Battalion, 314th 
Infantry, for the afternoon of November 7. The movement was commanded by 
Major Theodore Schoge, the battalion commander, with First Lieutenant T. 
Bromley Flood as an aid to observe time of events, enemy opposition and progress 
of the various units.^" Each group consisted of three squads and one officer. 
The groups, mamtaining liaison, struck eastward into the Ravine de la Reine, 
leaving their own lines at 15h 15, November 7, and in fifteen minutes were at the 
mouth of the ravine midway between Belleu Bois and Bois des Chenes. At 
this point the groups were subjected to a severe machine gun fire, both from rapid 
fire weapons in the tip of Belleu Bois and from many other machine guns located 
along the ridge in front of them. Ten minutes later a three white star rocket 
went soaring upward from the tip of Belleu Bois and at 15h 42 the enemy lay a 
heavy artillery barrage just in the rear of the groups, which were by that time within 
seventy-five yards of the main ridge. The patrols maintained their positions, 
seeking what cover could be found, and the "E " Company group, under Lieutenant 
Little, pushed to within thirty yards of the machine gun line on the ridge. The 
Boche gunners fired on the little party at point blank range and even hurled hand 
grenades over at them. The group returned the fire with automatic rifles and 
grenades, but could not learn the effect of their retaliation. Finally, at 16h, 
Major Schoge ordered a withdrawal, and, during the half hour that the groups 
were working their way back, the hostile guns dropped eight shells into the Ravine 
de la Reine, each shell throwing blue flame and sparks around it for a radius of 
thirty yards, the flame burning for five minutes and giving the impression that 
the enemy was resorting to liquid fire. The raid cost the Battalion seven killed 
and three wounded.^' No prisoners were taken but the enemy strength was well 
established. Major Schoge reporting:-" 

"The combat units developed strongly held machine gun line 
as previously reported by our patrols. Caused heavy artillery 
barrage which showed accurate liaison between enemy lines and 
artillery. It is fiimly believed that the ridge opposite sector of 
this Battalion is strongly held by machine guns, placed at aver- 
age distance of seventy yards apart. Infantry alone could not 
advance upon position without suffering serious losses. Accurate 
artillery preparations necessary." 

The period, November 2-7, was one of patroling only, but the casualties 
suffered had been severe, the fatalities in the 157th Infantry Brigade having been 
as follows: 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



271 



^j^ ■^JM;F^: 







The 304™ Ammunition- Trmv kxc amps nkar Brabant. 




The 364th Engineers at Home. 



272 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



313th Infantry 



Company "B" 
Privates Grover L. Hahn 
Henry C. Masch 
Paul Ostroy 

Company "C" 
First Sgt. Isaac Morris 
Private Cornelius A. Goodman 

Company "E" 
Private George L. Conley 



Company "I" 
Privates Edward L. Biden 
John F. Butzner 
Robert C. Dean 
Anthony A. Gallo 

Company "M" 
Pvts. 1st cl Ronald A. Morgan 

Christian Ulrich 
Private George H. Lebowski 

Machine Gun Company 
Private Edward Nelis 



314th Infantry 



Company "B" 
Pvt. 1st cl George W. Nye 

Company "E" 
Privates John J. Foley 

William D. Hackenburg 
Ralph C. Spaide 

Company "F" 
Sergeant Earl D. Hess 
Private Alfred Jones 

Company "G" 
Privates Vincenzo Cericola 
John McKenna 

Company "H" 
Corporal Walter G. Morton 
Pvt. 1st cl Edward E. Gery 
Private Adhemar Quillette 

Company "I" 
Sergeants Eldridge H. Shoup 

LeRoy J. Sodan 
Corporal Herbert Kreps 
Privates Ben M. Day 
Allen 0. Delke 
Antonio Milewski 



Company "K" 
Private Joseph M. Stickell 

Company "L" 
Privates Willard B. Ruess 

Irvin Sell 

Company "M" 
Private Silas S. Loter 

Headquarters Company 
Sergeant Irving Lindemuth 
Privates Arthur E. Baldenweek 
Chester U. Brion 
Everett L. Lyons 

Machine Gun Company 
Corporals Elmer F. Gardner 

Alfred P. Smalley, Jr 
Private Charles A. Dick 

Supply Company 
Corporal Russell Raker 

Sanitary Detachment 
Private Ernest F. Hausser 



SIIth Machine Gun Battalion 
Company "B" Company "C" 

Pvt. 1st cl Ernest F. Heintzman Pvt. 1st cl Hilbert A. Doyle 

The first week in November had brought the balance of the 304th Ammuni- 
tion Train forward from the artillery training area to active participation in the 
offensive work. The four companies, "C", "D", "E" and "F", with the Train 
Headquarters, left La. Courtine on the morning of November 1 and traveled 
northward for two days and one-half in French box cars, detraining on the night 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 273 

of November 3 at Dugny, the Division railhead.-- Captain (later Major) Vincent 
A. Carroll, Train Adjutant, was despatched from Dugny that same night and sent 
forward for special duty with Division Headquarters at Vacherauvilie, where he 
later won a Division citation for faithful and meritorious service in distributing 
water and supplies to the Division. ^^ The balance of the Train remained near 
Dugny over night and marched out the following day to Baleicourt. The night 
of November 4 was spent there, after which the four companies were ordered 
to join the 304th Engineers to asist in road work. The colunuis moved out at 
18h, November 5, stopped at Thicr\'ille for supper, and there the 800 men were 
divided into groups and assigned to the various companies of the 304th Engineers. 
Company "G" had been working with the Engineers for more than a week before 
the rest of the Train arrived. 

The Engineers had need of help. Road work had proven only one of the many 
duties required of them in this sector. Between November "2 and 7, the 304th 
Engineers had been minus "E" Company, which had been sent to Villers-les- 
Moines to do pioneer work on an artillery park and ammunition dumj) of the 
XVII Corps, and only the arrival of the Ammunition Train men enabled it to be 
brought back to the sector.-^ Two platoons of Company "C" had been utilized 
daily to help the French build a narrow guage railroad across a neck of land from 
Vacherauvilie to Neuville, and were not withdrawn from this work until the close 
of the first week in November.-* Here, again, their withdrawal was made possible 
through the arrival of Comjjany "C", 304th Ammunition Train, which replaced 
them.^' Details from "D" and "F" Companies had been repairing the Canal 
de I'Est and a culvert near Champ, while other details were completing the ap- 
proach to a new pile bridge across the Meuse at Regneville. Other units had 
been enlarging the old German engineers' dump in the Bois de Consenvoye, es- 
tablishing a Division dump on Samogneux Hill and building a cut-off to it from 
the main road.^"* "E" Company, 304th Ammunition Train, relieved the P^ngineer 
details in the canal repair work,^* and "D" Company, of the same outfit, was 
put to work on an ammunition dump which was never finished.^' On the after- 
noon of November 6, the newcomers in the Amniunition Train got their first 
taste of the front when the Germans put over a gas barage which drifted down 
into Death Valley. 

Late on the afternoon of November 7, Companies "B" and "F", 304th 
Engineers, were called from road work and ordered to report to the infantry to 
follow up an advance. Company "B" reporting to the 158th Infantry Brigade, 
northeast of Brabant-sur-Meuse, and Company "F" to the 157th Infantry 
Brigade, up Death Valley, northeast of Samogneux.-* 

Rumors that the war was soon to end began to circulate during the first few 
days in November, the sources being, of course, untraceable. Perhaps they came 
in part from the natural deductions to be gleaned from the daily intelligence 
bulletins which told of the collapse of Bulgaria and Austria-Hungary and the 
progress being made everywhere along the Western Front. These rumors naturally 
circulated rapidly, and an example may be given in the case of Company "D", 
304th Ammunition Train, which, on November, 7 having heard from some source 
that an armistice was signed that day, rather began to believe it when the artillery 



274 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



fire died down in the afternoon.^' The Di\-ision took cognizance of the wild rumors 
and covered the matter in a paragraph of G-1 Order No. 46, of November 8, 
which stated: 

"All members of this command are prohibited from starting or 
repeating rumors relative to the war, intentions of the enemy or 
intentions of the Allies. Rumors at present being circulated in 
this command are not substantiated by facts and tend towards 
careless conservation and the spreading of false information. All 
authentic information and news will be published from time to 
time as soon as received." 

With all events and the activities of each Seventy-ninth Division unit in the 




CrEPION, LOOKING OVER THE ThINTE, WITH ROMAGNB HiLLS, OUR LAST OBJECTIVE, IN THE DISTANCE. 

Grande Montagne sector brought up to the evening of November 7, the way is 
cleared for the narration of the final drive by the whole Division. 

The 158th Brigade Detachment had completed the conquest of Hill 329 
and les Claires Chenes trench; south from that point on the right for two kilo- 
meters were the squads of "L" Company, 315th Infantry, protecting the flank; 
swinging in an arc toward the southeast through the Bois de la Grande Montagne 
from the point of contact with the most southern "L" Company squad to the 
upper edge of the Bois d'Etrayes lay the Third Battalion, 316th Infantry (three, 
companies) ; from there to the lower edge of the Bois de Wavrille lay the Second 
Battalion of the 315th Infantry; almost due south from that point through Belleu 
Bois, across the Ravine de la Reine and the Bois des Chene to the Samogneux" 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 275 

Crepion road, vrere the First and Second Battalions of the 314th Infantry in the 
order named; and, finally, from the Samogneux-Crepion road south through the 
Bois d'Ormont and a half kilometer beyond was the Third Battalion, 313th 
Infantry. Such was the front — one kilometer across the top, two kilometers 
straight south, two kilometers in an arc to the east and two and one-half kilometers 
south by east — a total of nine and one-haK kilometers. 

The first ta.sk was to strengthen the line at its weak points and then shorten 
it. Both were preliminary to a drive eastward. The strengthening process had 
begun at 13h, November 7, when the Third Battalion, 314th Infantry, which 
had been designated as Division Reserve to replace the First Battalion, 313th 
Infantry, received orders to march to the relief of the Second Battalion, 315th 
Infantry, in sub-sector Gray — part of the curved line running through the Bois 
d'Etraye and Bois de Wavrille.-^ The strengthening was continued at 18h the 
same day when the First Battalion, 313th Infantry, which had been hurried up 
to la Borne de Cornouiller, as previously related, bivouacked to the right of the 
heights behind the lower extremity of the "L" Company, 315th Infantry, outpost 
line. The Third Battalion, 314th Infantry, delayed by a preliminary reconnais-s 
ance, was unable to start for its assigned sector until after dark. Consequently, 
at midnight, November 7-8, after a terrible march through shelled woods and 
underbrush tangled by continuous artillery fire, the relief had just begun."' 

With the only infantry battalion taken from Division Reserve, General 
Kuhn made telephonic arrangements with the II Corps, as a result of which the 
Twenty-sixth Division was ordered to take over the Ime through the Bois d'- 
Ormont with two battalions and relieve the Third Battalion, 313th Infantry.'" 
The order for the relief was carried to the Third Battalion commander by Bugler 
Anthony Motto, Company "L", through a hail of high explosives and shrapnel,' 
and the same enemy barrage caught a ration detail from "M" Company, under 
Sergeant Dorsey M. Goad. Sergeant Goad's coolness and gallantry inspired 
the detail to carry out its mission. Several hours later, with the enemy fire still 
raging, the relief began. It was marked by an unusual display of courage by 
wounded men, the most noteworthy case being that of Sergeant Ernest L. Hitches, 
Company "K", and four men in his platoon, all sufferers from shrapnel wounds. 
Sergeant Hitches took the four men to a first-aid station, but, refusing treatment 
for himself, returned to his platoon and stayed with it until the relief was completed. 
The Third Battalion and regimental machine gun company then moved back to 
the Cote des Roches with Company "B", 311th Machine Gun Battalion, which 
was relieved at the same time. This stroke had not exactly shortened the line, 
as the two battalions of the Twenty-sixth Division were placed under the command 
of General Nicholson, of the 157th Brigade,^" but it had enabled the Seventy- 
ninth Division to have at least a mobile force ready to throw in anywhere from 
the Haraumont Ridge southward. 

Word from the II Corps that the Fifteenth French Di^•ision, on the left of 
the 158th Brigade, had swung through the Haraumont Ridge and to the north- 
east, driving out the enemy in the Bois des Yaux at 17h, November 7, solved 
one problem of the front line positions, this time at the extreme northern end of the 
sector. It meant that the 158tli Brigade Detachment had no enemy to the north of 



276 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




German prisoners taking their noon-day rest and enjoying our commissary supplies. 





Damvilmers-Brabant Road. 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEMIE 



277 



it, and could turn to tlie eastward after establishing liaison with the French further 
north. This word regarding the progress of the Fifteenth French Di\ision came 
as a footnote to Special Order No. 825, II French Corps, issued on the night of 
November 7, and which specified the mission of the Seventy-ninth Division for 
the next day as "to exercise its pressure in the direction of Reville and Etraye."" 

In conformity with tliis. Field Order No. 34, 79th Division, was issued a few 
liours later on the night of November 7. It stated tliat the left wing, under General 
Johnson, would advance in the direction of Reville and Etraye, and the right wing, 
under General Nicholson, would patrol actively and search out any weakening 
of the enemy line. From information gained from prisoners, the order surmised 
that "hostile infantry has been withdrawn and machine guns have been left 
behind to maintain their resistance. '"^- 

General Johnson, with the badly shattered 316th Infantry, two battalions 
of the 313th Infantry and the 315th Infantry all scattered throughout the sector. 





mm 



I 




1^' 






BoCHE SHELTER IN' BolS DE GlU-NDE MoNT.iGNE SHOWING SHELL HOLE IN BARUACK. 

notified his various regimental and detachment commanders at 20h 15 of what 
he proposed doing. The Second Battalion, 313th Infantry, and Third Battalion, 
315th Infantry, were formed into a provisional regiment under Lieutenant Colonel 
Burt. This regiment was to face east and attack between the Haraumont-Ecurey 
and Sivry-sur-Re\ille roads,'" a front of a little more than a kilometer. The 
First Battalion, 313th Infantry, and First and Second Battalions, 315th Infantry, 
under Colonel Knowles, of the 315th, were to be formed into another provisional 
regiment and attack eastward from the lines of the Sivry-sur-Meuse-Reville road 
as far south as the Consen-\-oye-Etraye road, a front of two kilometers, which 
would narrow as the advance progressed. This latter advance would relieve the 
Third Battalion, 316th Infantry, in the stretch of the Boi^ de la Grande Montague 
east of la Borne de Cornouiller, and this battalion would fall back to the balance 
of the regiment, and, Mith the 310th Machine Gun Battalion, form a reserve 
force. The plan of attack thus placed the burden upon the 158th Brigade, it 
being the aim of General Kuhn to straighten his whole line from north to south. 



278 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

eliminating the curve through the Bois de la Grande Montagne, before attempting 
an advance with his southernmost brigade. 

All through the night of November 7-8, there was feverish activity behind the 
line of the 158th Brigade. Heavy batteries swung from former positions to new 
ones facing east. Light batteries sped northward to be echeloned behind the two 
provisional regiments between Bois Vaux and la Borne de Cornouiller. The 
companies of the 312th Machine Gun Battalion, assigned to provide the direct 
overhead barrage, moved out from the Bois de Consenvoye, "B" Company 
going clear north to Claire Cliene trench, a platoon of "D" Company to near the 
Sivry-sur-Meuse-Reville road, and "A" Company and "C" Company to positions 
in the Bois de la Grande Montagne behind the Third Battalion, 316th Infantry.'^ 
The signal corps men, stretching wires over the newly conquered territory, went 
clear to the outpost lines, often under sniper and machine gun fire, under the 
direction of Lieutenant H. W. Webbe, signal officer of the 158th Brigade, who 
personally took a reel cart through a dangerous stretch of territory to connect 
up an advance P. C. with battalion headquarters.^* 

At 6h, November 8, the time prescribed for the attack,'^ the heavy Brownings 
of the 312th Machine Gun Battalion laid a twenty minute barrage all along the 
front of the 158th Brigade, '^ but the infantry had been unable to take up its new 
positions in time and the fire was wasted. It was not until llh that day that the 
squads of "L" Company, 315th Infantry, holding the right flank between Bois 
Vaux and la Borne de Cornouiller, were relieved'^ by the Second and First Battalion 
S13th Infantry. .Just about noon the two battalions of the 313th, each leading 
one of the provisional regiments, began the eastward movement'' with two comp- 
anies in the front line and two in the second line, all companies being echeloned 
in depth.'' To the north, the Third Battalion, 315th Infantry, supporting the 
Second Battalion, 313th Infantry, in the advance over the front between the 
Haraumont-Ecurey and Sivry-sur-Meuse-Reville roads, followed 500 meters in 
the rear, but on the south front, from the Sivry-sur-Meuse-Reville to the Con- 
senvoye-Etraye road, it was 14h 15 before the leading company of the Second 
Battalion, 315th Infantry, passed through the slender 316th line in the Bois de 
la Grande Montagne to follow the First Battalion, 313th Infantry, eastward.^' 
This delay had been occasioned by the slow progress of the relief of the Second 
Battalion, 315th Infantry, in the Bois d 'Etraye-Bois de Wavrille line, which had 
been completed by the Third Battalion, 314th Infantry, only at 7h that morning.'" 

The leading battalions of the 313th, advancing in line of skirmishers and 
with wide intervals between companies,^' found at once that the enemy had vacated 
the ground during the night.'* Progress, however, had to be slow. There was 
no knowledge at what point the enemy had stopped the retreat and every thick 
growth of underbrush, every ravine, every former hostile dugout or trench, had 
to be reconnoitered and every precaution taken as the men advanced. 

To the north, the provisional regiment under Lieutenant Colonel Burt was 
advancing through the Bois d'Ecurey, lying north of the Sivry-sur-Meuse-Reville 
road, and Colonel Knowles' provisional regiment, holding contact on the loR-er 
side of the road, was working its way through the fastnesses of the Bois de la 
Grande Montagne. 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



^279 




A Typical French Sniper's Position ix the Argonne. 




MoLLEVILLE FaRM CLEARING RIGHT AT THE HEAD OF De.\TH A'aLLEY LOOKING TOWARD THE 

Consenvoye-Brabaxt-Dam\illiers Road Intersection. 



280 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Almost immediatel}' after the lo8th Brigade got underway, it became apparent 
that, if the 157th Brigade obeyed merely the order to patrol, contact would soon 
be lost between its left flank held by the Third Battalion, 314tb Infantry, north- 
east of Molleville Farm, and the right flank of Colonel Knowles' provisional regi- 
ment. Under instructions from General Kuhn. General Nicholson telephoned 
to Colonel Oury, of the 314th Infantry, changing the mission of the regiment 
to a certain extent. This message said:^' 

"Front of Italy reported as being 11 hour on general line 25.3- 
87. to 26.1-83.0 advancing in the direction of Reville and Etraye, 
not much opposition encountered. Other troops 158th Brigade 
are mopping up Etraye Ravine just in rear of troops on their left. 
If this advance continues your left will soon be out of touch with 
the right of Italy. You are directed to advance that portion of 
your line between the left of your sector and point 28.0-81.7 piv- 
oting on the latter point, establishing close combat liaison between 
your left battalion and units to the right with assurance of direct 




ExTRAXCE TO A Dugout at Vacherauville. 
The following inscription was scrawled over the door, in French: "^^■hen you're down think of 
Jonah; he came out all right." 

control back to your headquarters. You are authorized to call 
upon the 104th F. A. Regt. for assistance in this movement which, 
if successful, will necessarily shorten your line. In this case at- 
tempt to reform your left unit so as to have the maximum troops 
in the hand of the Bn Comdr, C. P. O's for heavy artillery are 
being worked out to assist your movement. Start advance with 
least practical delay. Maintain liaison on flank and continue 
pressure forward in conformity with Italy. Frequent reports 
from all parts of your front directed without fail." 

The Third Battalion, 314th Infantry, immediately began the pivotal move- 
ment, the extreme left flank advancing along the general line of the Consenvoye- 
Etraye road, keeping to the south of it, however, and maintaining liaison with 
the First Battalion, 313th Infantry, to the north of the road. Both units thus 
had a share in cleaning out the Etraye ravine, this cleaning out, because of the 
enemy's withdrawal, being merely a wary advance. Contact patrols sent out from 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



281 



the front of the other two battalions of the 314th Infantry into Belleu Bois and 
beyond the tip of the Bois des Chenes, indicated that the Germans had retired along 
this tront also, and, in m id-afternoon. Colonel Oury ordered a general advance of all 
battalions, the object being to sieze the ridge which in previous days had been 
reported as heavily protected by machine guns. At the same time General Nichol- 
son ordered the lead-off battalion of the Twenty-sixth Division, which had replaced 
the 313th Infantry at the lower extremity of the sector, to advance and take 
Hill 360." 

By 16h, the whole extended front, from Haraumont-Ecurey road south to 
a point below the Bois d'Ormont — seven and one-half kilometers in breadth — 
was in motion eastward and encountering nothing more than occasional shells from 
German heavies. The entire advance was made in a driving rain. It had been 
raining during most of the preceding day but, toward dusk on November 8, it 
became a hea'V'y downijoiir, the thick mud adding to the discomforts of the move- 
ment. Added to this, German aviators came sweeping westward, flying low 




TllK EFFECT OF OUR 1$AHHA(;B OX .\ SLOPE OF THE EtRAYE RaVINE. 

above the roads and trails, and raked them with machine guns.''* Constant reports 
to the Division P. C. showed that the progress was steady. Aside from the aviators, 
the only Germans seen were seNeral machine gunners who had deliberately loitered 
behind the retreating columns so they could surrender.'^ Finally, just before 
darkness, patrols from the Second Battalion 313th Infantry, occupied the town 
of Reville, and about the same time patrols from the First Battalion of the same 
regiment, entered Etraye. At 17h the entire front line of the Second Battalion, 
313th, having worked its way nearly three kilometers through the Bois d'Ecurey, 
emerged at the eastern extremity of the woodland and took up a position almost 
due north and south from below Ecurey to Reville, the line facing the broad valley 
of the Woevre.'' From Reville southward to Etraye, the First Battalion, 313th, 
had also pushed through the last stretch of the Bois de la Grande Montagne, 
and likewise occupied the edge of the highlands facing eastward.'' 

Throughout the advance of the two provisional regiments of the 158th Brigade, 



£82 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

the men of the Signal Corps performed a monumental work in linking up by tele- 
phone the P. C.'s of the advancing regiments with Brigade Headquarters. 

The following sketch written by a man of the Signal Corps Detachment of 
the 158th Brigade draws a vivid picture of the work of the Signal Corps and its 
cooperation with the Infantry during the capture of La Borne de Cornouiller and 
the subsequent advance to the Ecurey-Reville-Etraye line: 

"Shells are landing close by and at rapid intervals. The con- 
cussion has extinguished candles thirty feet below the ground where 
telephone operators manipulate the nerves of the Brigade. Water is 
dripping on the exhausted men asleep on the damp floor. On a 
higher tier of the dugout the General is seated with maps spread out 
before him. It is night and a raid is being planned for the morning. 
The Signal Officer calls six men aside. 

'Take this wire and connect with the last outpost and 
run your circuit till you reach the German lines.' 
An infantry officer with runners joins the detail and an advance 
message center is established. From the shell hole where the de- 
tail hides Germans can be heard talking in other shell holes just be- 
yond. 

The raid goes over. Orders go forward, inforro.ation comes back. 
The raid develops into a general attack. The linemen m.aintain their 
communications night and day. Later they are relieved, some come 
back alive. Our infantry, six platoons, is driven back. A battalion 
is thrown in. We attack again and again. The Germans break. 
A provisional regiment is thrown in. Hill 378 is ours. 

On the 7th of November at noon a message arrives from the pro- 
visional regiment: 

"Expect to take Reville tonight — wire gave out — 
cannot wait." Signed, Burt, Lt. Col. Provisional 
Regiment. 
As the day progresses the direction of battle is changing. Runners 
all afternoon are trying to locate Colonel Burt, but to no avail. 
Night approaches, darkness sets in, a cold dismal rain is falling. The 
Signal Officer calls in from a Battalion : 

'I am on my way with a wire cart to locate Colonel 
Burt.' 
A few men, a team of horses have ventured forth. A road muti- 
lated by the destructive wrath of contesting foes is before them. 
Men walk ahead and stand at the edge of shell holes to guide the 
driver. A flashlight is used but snipers fire at the light. An hour 
passes. Huge stumps planted across the road block the way. A 
fork in the highway not shown on their maps is taken on a chance, in 
the general direction of Reville. Trees are blown across the road 
and must be chopped away. Hours pass. It would seem that the 
front lines of the enemy have been entered. The signal ofiicer, with 
three men, are in the lead. The cart stays behind. If the way is 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



283 



clear a man runs back and the cart is brought forward. In time, out 
ot the hazy darkness the shell torn roofs of a village appear. De- 
serted, silent save for the scream of shells overhead. Beyond the 
village the tramp of feet is heard. Friend or foe.' They steal upon 
them and call. The answer comes back in English. A contact 
patrol of the lost regiment. The Signal Officer is taken to the 
Colonel. Communications are established. It is two in the morning. 
An order comes over the wire: 

'Have your regiment in place at day-break for attack 
at Etraye and Wavrille.' 




I..-R. Lt. Kixgdon Goi'LU — Majoh Mitcuum and Fhexch -Liaison 1.>ffii-Ku in i-K)\r of TOtii 

DiV. P. C. NE.\R MOLLEVILLE FaRM, NoV. 10, 1918. 

This means a move by the flank of four kilometers. Men, ex- 
hausted, are lying on the ground — no food for days — nor any sleep 
at daybreak. It is war." 

The 314th Infantry advance had also been successful. It had begun with 
the Third Battalion having three companies in the line and one in support, and 
the other two battalions having only two companies in the line. Likewise, a com- 
pany of the First Battalion had been placed at the point of liaison with the Third 
Battalion to insure contact in tlie difficult turning movement and to be used, if 
necessary, as a combat company should a gap develop. The ridge ahead was 
found to be untenanted, the only opposition being light shelling which caused 
some casualties. By 18h 07, the entire line of the 314th had occupied and organized 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 







"i^^Pv^': 



Regimextal 1'. C. 3U1TH Enginebus, Samogxeux Hill. 




Interior of Shelter shown above, occupied for months of Nov. a.vd Dec. '18. 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 285 

the line of the ridge running almost due south from Etraye.''' This meant that the 
swing of the Third Battalion, 314th, had carried it clear through the Bois d'Etraye 
and Bois de AVavrille; that the First Battalion had cleared Bclleu Bois and that 
the Second Battalion had pierced well up the Ravin la Hazelle astride the Samog- 
neux-Crepion road. Further south, at 18h, the leading battalion of the Twenty- 
sixth Division had topped Hill 360 and emerged to the eastward of the Bois d' 
Orniont, leaving the support battalion to nioj) up the former German stronghold. 
At 21h 45 the entire line of the 157th Brigade was in the position General Kulin 
desired it to attain, and the Division front had been fought and maneuvered into 
a straight line for the first time since taking over the Grande Montagne Sector. 
The same night a detail from Vacherauville started north to estabHsh an advance 
Division P. C near Molleville Farm. The motor cars were held up by shell fire 
in the Bois deConsenvoye, but Colonel Ross, Chief of Staff, in a motorcycle sidecar, 
managed to push through that night and locate a dugout on a hillside just west 
of the farm. 

Company "B", 304th Engineers, which had been assigned to the 158th 
Brigade on November 7, had followed close on the heels of Colonel Knowles' 
provisional regiment along the road into Etraye. The company made rajiid 
progress with its repair work until it reached the Etraye ravine where the Germans 
had felled numerous tree trunks over the thorouglifare, all of which had to be 
sawed up and removed. Three trucks and three wagons loaded with engineer 
supplies for the company were turned back, unneeded, when a well-stored Boche 
dump was found not far from Etraye. First Battalion P. C, 304th Engineers, 
also mo^■ed forward and was set up north of Consenvoye, the remaining two com- 
anies of the battalion immediately beginning work on the Consenvoye-Etraye 
road.^" Second Battalion P. C. of the same regiment, also was mo^'ed forward 
and set up near Ormont Fme., where the three companies went to work on the 
slope of the hill behind the infantry line.'"' 

Efforts to rehabilitate the 316th Infantry were carried on behind the line 
that day, although, toward dusk, the Second Battalion was hurried northward 
into the Bois d'Ecurey to act as reserve for Lieutenant Colonel Burt's provisional 
regiment.'^ A total of 186 replacements was received and divided among the 
companies, and the balance of the regiment remained in camp through the night 
in the Bois de Consenvoye, being joined at 21h by the Third Battalion, 313th 
Infantry, the Division Reserve, which had been ordered north to await further 
directions from General Kuhn.'' All through November 8, the saddest duties 
had developed upon the regimental surgeon of the 316th and details from 304th 
Ammunition Train. The former had conducted an all day search for wounded 
men, who might be lying unaided somewhere in the underbrush and woods or amid 
the shell holes of the Borne. '^ The latter. Company "F", 304th Ammunition 
Train, assisted by the Division Chaplain, had been burying the dead in the 158th 
Brigade sector. That night Company "D", 304th Ammunition Train, moved 
forward to Ormont Fme to assist in burying the dead of the Seventy-ninth and 
Twenty-sixth Divisions in the Bois d 'Ormont and Bois d'Haraumont.^^ 

The surprisingly light fatality list for November 8, is an indication of the 
way in which the enemy retreated rather than resist the ad\-ance of that day. 
Those killed in action or died of wounds were as follows: 



■286 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



313th Infantry 



Company "L" 
Private 1st cl Roy O. Kelbaugh 

Company "C" 
Private Joseph F. Noonan 

_ Company "G" 
Privates Charles N. McGee 
Christos H. Stavris 



314th Infantry 



Company "L" 
Private George H. Albus 

Company "M" 
Private Franco DiGirolamo 



315th Infantry 



Company "C" 
Private Nick Serago 



Company "M" 
Private Henry J. Kleive 



316th Infantry 



Company "A" 
Corporal John D. Kroger 
Privates Sargius Gowvian 
Denny Kite 
Henry Mertling 

Company "E" 
Privates William E. Spratt 
James M. Dugan 
Company "H" 
Private George R. Monroe 

Company "I" 
Pvt. 1st cl Truman A. Wallace 



Privates Charles Lorah 

Albert H. Albrecht 

Company "K" 
Pvt. 1st cl Roy W. Malone 
Private Walter E. Randall 

Company "M" 
Private John J. Holahan 

Supply Company 
Pvt. 1 St cl William D.Wade 

Machine Gun Company 
Private Harry W. Holland 



312th MachxNE Gun Battalion 



Company "B" 
Private AValter Stein 



Company "D" 
Private Horace H. Hoover 



310th Machine Gun Battalion 
Company "A" 
Wagoner Gilbert A. Brown 

All night long, M-hile far ahead through the darkness, the front line battalions 
could hear the enemy destroying ammunition stores, there were few efforts to 
disturb the on-coming Americans by shell fire.*^ The quiet was pronounced, and 
patrols which slipped down into the unknown valley ahead, came back with 
reports that no Germans could be found west of the Thinte River.^^ All night 
long, also, at Division and Brigade headquarters, candles burned as plans were 
laid for one of the most difficult movements of the entire campaign. The II 
French Corps had placed Special Order No. 826 in the hands of General Kulin 
at 22h, November 8, and the Division Commander was faced with the task of 
getting his troops entirely out of the line between Ecurey and Etraye, concentrating 
his advance in that part of the sector then held by the 314th Infantry, and attack- 
ing at daybreak.^^ To realize what that meant, it must be remembered that the 
entire 158th Brigade — two provisional regiments — was north of Etraye on that 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



287 



night. What Special Order No. 826 stated specifically was, that "the sectors of 
each division do not continue directly upon the front actually held by each divi- 
sion. "■'■' Then, after pointing out that the consequent oblicjue movement, to the 
new sector, must be completed by noon, November 9, the Special Order continued :** 

"The First Army, U. S. has made knowTi the fact that the 
enemy continues to beat a retreat from the Meuse towards the 
north; it calls to attention the fact that to the east of the Meuse, to 
the south toward Stenay, the beginning of the withdrawal of the 
enemy has taken place and has extended to the whole front of the 
II Colonial Army Corps. 

The Army orders the execution of a general pressure upon 




After the Battle, such scenes lasted for days. Consenvoye Cross Roads. 

its entire front and the vigorous following up of every with- 
drawal of the enemy. 

The action will thus be followed upon the entire front of the 
II Colonial Army Corps, and from daybreak with the very great- 
est energy." 

While the necessary field order was being prepared to meet the requirements 
of the Corps order, the two brigade commanders were notified by telephone of 
the impending change in the line of attack. General Johnson, of the 158th Brigade, 
was instructed to have his two pro\-isional regiments undertake a flanking march 
— -side step, in the vernacular — of approxinaately four and one-half kilometers, 
the two battalions of the 313th Infantry to pass into a reserve position behind 
the 314th Infantry, and the 315th Infantry to mo\'e into the northern part of the 



288 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

new sector and relieve a battalion of the 314th Infantry in the front line.''' This 
whole movement depended largely upon the success of the attack of the 314th 
Infantry, ordered for 6h. Should that attack progress satisfactorily, the provisional 
regiments could actually move southeastward. Should it be held up, it would 
necessitate a detour march to the west of Etraye. Thus, the importance of the 
work of the 314tli Infantry for the early morning is apparent. 

General Nicholson, ujjon receipt of verbal orders, had telephoned at Oh 10 
to Colonel Oury, giving him the exact details of what was expected of the 314tli 
Infantry. The message read:^^ 

"Pursuant to orders received at 23h 50 from Itasca 1, you will 
advance at 6h, 9th November, on the front between Etraye (incl) 
and Moirey (excl). Two battalions of your regiment will occupy 
the front line and one will be drawn back and placed in support 
echeloned behind the right battalion of the front line. In order 
to accomplish this it will be necessary for your regiment to take 
up position before daylight, which includes extending your right 
flank to take over that section of the brigade sector now held by 
the battalions of the 26th Division, which are to be returned to 
their proper command upon completion of the relief which must be 
completed by 6li. Direction of the advance will be Roro.agne- 
sbus-les-Cotes. Itasca announces his intention to contract your 
front, as soon after six hour as he can move up troops of the 158th 
Brigade to take over the sector of your left battalion in the front 
line. The above directed dispositions give you a very thin line 
over an extended front. It is imperative that closest liaison be 
maintained between your front line units and with the 158th 
Brigade on your left, also that liaison be established and main- 
tained with the troops of the 26th Division on the right of this 
brigade. Upon completion of the new formation and upon com- 
pletion of the taking over of the front line from the Battalion of 
the 26th Division now under this command, these Hq. will be 
advised by telephone." 

Colonel Oury at once requested permission to make a slight change, pointing 
out that he could not withdraw a battalion at that time without making a big 
break in his line, and asking that he be allowed to take over the sector from the 
26th Division battalion by using the two companies in support of the Second 
Battalion, 314th Inf,antry, and thus extend the battalion's line to the right.** 
This request was granted, it being understood that one of the battalions of the 
regiment would be withdrawn, as soon as practicable after the attack started, to 
form a regimental reserve.*^ At Ih the relief of the 26th Division battalion was 
completed and Brigade Headciuarters notified. The front of the 314th Infantry 
M'as then four and one-half kilometers long and consisted of the Third Battalion 
(three companies in line and one in support). First Battalion (two companies in line 
and two in support), and Second Battalion (four companies in line), from left to 
right. At the same time. Colonel Oury notified his battalion commanders that, 
upon reaching the Moirey- Wavrille road, the two battalions on the flanks would 
begin to extend their fronts toward the centre until they established liaison, 
whereupon the central (First) battalion would be withdrawn.** 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



-289 



At Ih that same morning, Field Order No. 36, 79th Division, was finally 
completed and issued. It gave the northern limit of the new sector as a line 
drawn from the Meuse through Consenvoye northeastward to Etraye, thence 
east by south to the lower edge of the Cote d'Orne and thence east by south on 
out through the Woevre plains. The southern limit ran frona Samogneux north- 
eastward to the northern edge of the town of Moirey, then southeastward to a 
point halfway between Azannes and Gremilly and thence eastward into the 
Woevre. The order prescribed:''" 




Germ.\n Machine Gun TowEn IM Bois de Consenvoye. 

"The 157th Infantry Brigade will advance from the line 
Etraye-Moirey, with one regiment, the 314th Infantry, occupy- 
ing the entire divisional front, disposed as follows, two battalions 
in the front line and one battalion echeloned behind the right 
front battalion. E^'entually the left battalion, 314th Infantry, 
in the front line will be relieved by a battalion of the 158th Inf. 
Brig, and thereafter each brigade will advance on its proper zone 
of action." 



290 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Then followed instructions for the two battalions of the 313th Infantry to 
march to a position one kilometer in the rear of the leading troops of the 157th 
Brigade; for the 315th Infantry to march to the rear of the 157th Brigade and 
"at the earliest practicable moment" pass a battalion through the left battalion 
of the 314th Infantry; for the 316th Infantry to follow the 315th Infantry as brigade 
reserve; and for the proper movement of all other units — machine gun battalions, 
artillery, engineers, ., — to support and follow up the advance/* 

At 6h, November 9, with the 75 's of the 104th Field Artillery hammering 
at the supposed position of the German line, the heavier artillery concentrating 
on selected points,^* and the heavy Brownings of Companies "A" and "D", 
311th Machine Gun Battalion, offering a direct overhead fire on the flanks", the 




Our forward Divisional Hospital in captiired Boche shacks down Etrate Ravine. 

314th began the forward mo^■e down the eastern slope of the ridge running into 
the valley ahead. The centre of the line found the going hardest, the First Batta- 
lion ha^•ing plunged immediatel}' into the Bois de Moirey. For several hours 
all news of its progress reached the regimental commander only through the flanks, 
its runners getting lost in the woodland on the M'ay back. On the right, the Second 
Battalion made splendid progress and at 8h 20 entered the town of Crepion, 
passing beyond that point into an area of heavy shell fire. Undaunted, it worked 
on, finally, about lOh 15 throwing advance elements into the outskirts of the town 
of Moirey at the same time that the Twenty-sixth Division, on the right, occupied 
the village itself.^' With a foothold on the north and south road, leading from 
Damvillers to Moirey, it began to extend its flank to the left to establish contact 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



291 



with the Third Battalion and permit tlie First Battalion to •nithdraw. The Third 
Battalion, over rough but open ground, had pressed forward at 6h in an easterly 
direction south of Etraye and had swung into the town of Wavrille. Pressing 
on through to the road and railroad beyond, it also followed the orders of 
the regimental commander, and extended its right flank, joining up with the 
Second Battalion at about the same time that the town of Gibercy, in the centre 
of the regimental ad\ance, was overwhelmed. At that time, about llh, the 
extreme left of the line had reached a point two kilometers east of Etraye, and 
the extreme right was at Moirey, with the centre bulged a half -kilometer deeper 
into Gibercy. The whole front was little more than three kilometers wide. 

The Third Battalion was caught in a terrific artillery and machine gun fire 
from the hills to the north and east. First Lieutenent Harold F. Flynn, of "L" 




RoMAGNE Hills, wi n lai^t objectives wiiex the Ahmistre came. 

Company, being killed and a number of men wounded. The battalion was in tlie 
bed of the Thinte River, with the Cote de Morimont (Hill 361) looming a little 
more than a kilometer ahead and the Cote d'Orne (Hill 356) on its left front. 
The men struggled on, managing little by little to work ahead under the intense 
fire. Finally, around noon, the line was compelled to halt, with the Cote de Mori- 
mont still a kilometer away, and tliere dug in to await the promised relief by a 
battalion from the 315th Infantry. 

The progress made by the Second Battalion, on the right was even better 
than that made by the Third. Aliead of it lay a long hill, Cote 328, from which 
particularly effective machine gun fire was played upon the advancing lines, 
while the high explosives and shrapnel from the German batteries farther in the 
rear were bursting all around the advance. A leading platoon of "G" Company 
ran into an inferno of machine gun and sniper fire and was ordered to retire before 



292 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



being annihilated. That the men drew out of the dangerous position was due to 
the courage of Sergeant J. Delbert Nipple, who personally advised each man how 
to keep under cover in getting back, and who was shot to death by a sniper after 
he had seen his last man in safety.^ The Machine Gun Company and the 37mm. 
platoon of Headquarters Company had been assigned to the Second Battalion, 
and a call at once went back for both. In pushing forward, the sergeant command- 
ing the 37 mm. platoon was wounded and the command developed upon Corporal 
James Forsyth. ^Vhile leading his gun crew a shell burst close by and tore off 
part of his clothing. Undaunted, he carried on, "got his gun into action and 
under hazardous conditions located machine gun targets, secured firing data, and 
directed the fire of his gun. "^ Similarily courageous was the act of Private Calvin 
J. Cressm.an, Company "E", who although wounded five times, refused to be- 




The result of ouk artillery b-usr-^ge just west of Etrate. 

evacuated, and continued as first carrier for an automatic rifle team while it went 
into action against strong enemy nests. ^- Featured with such acts of heroism, 
the advance of the Second Battalion was continued until the lower slope of Cote 
328 was gained and here, with the enemy resistance growing stronger, the Battal- 
lion dug in. General Nicholson reporting :°° 

"They were unable to progress or take Hill 328. They are 
held up there and so was the 26th Div. on their right. This after- 
noon they got as far as 31.4-82.3 to 31.5-81.2." 

Patrols were sent out after dark to try out the defenses of Hill 328, and made 
some interesting discoveries regarding the nature of the enemy position. One 
of these groups, headed by First Sergeant Martin J. Culver, Company "H", 
encountered three enemy patrols and drove each of them off, continuing its own 
work until it had secured all the information it had set out to find.^ That same even- 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 293 

ing, also. Lieutenant Leslie Davie.s,of Company "A", 311th MaeliineGun Battalion, 
saved part of his own company and of "'E" Company, 314th Infantry, from 
annihilation b,y American artillery fire by risking his life in the open, discharging 
flare after flare until the signalling was noted and the barrage stopped. 

While all this was happening along the front, the remarkable flanking march 
of four and one-half kilometers was undertaken by the two ])rovisional regiments 
of the 158th Brigade and carried out to a successful completion. The two batta- 
lions (if the 313th Infantry started out shortly before daylight and crossed south- 
easterly through a woods saturated with mustard gas, until they entered Wavrille 
an hour or two after the 314th Infantry had taken the town. By this time the 
shelling liad grown heavier, and the two battalions were sent into a ravine where 
they occupied a former Boche camp until 16h, when they were started back to 
the Bois de Brabant, arriving about dusk and bivouacing." 

The 31,5th Infantry did not get off so lightly. The regiment did not begin 
to leave the hill line north of Etraye until 9li and by that time, although it was 
hazy in the valley, the men could see before them, due eastward, the large town of 
Damvillers and beyond it in the distance the forest line of the Bois de Damvillers 
and the heights of the Cote d'Orne. None of these, however, were within the 
new sector limits. Damvillers would be the objective of the 15th French Division, 
stepping in from the north. The 315th was headed a different direction — south- 
easterly after the already advancing line of the Third Battalion, 314th Infantry. 
The First Battalion, 315th, was in the lead and the Second Battalion in support, 
with the Third Battalion instructed to side-step a straight four and one-half 
kilometers southward while the other two battalions went forward southeasterly. 
The Third Battalion, it will be remembered, was north of Reville, and its march, 
while a most difficult one, was to take it to reserve and not to attack.^' Replacing 
it in the regiment was the Second Battalion, 316th Infantry, which, with its 
machine gun company, had followed through to Etraye and was now disposed 
near that town. 

The First Battalion, 315th, by llh had a front extended along tlie railroad 
just east of the Damvillers-Azannes road between Wa^Tille and the road fork 
300 meters south of Dam\illers.=' Both it and the Second Battalion, 315th, in 
support, were being shelled with vehemence. It was impossible to advance 
further at that time and Major Ward W. Pierson, ordering the men to dig in along 
the railroad embankment, ad^'anced alone to reconnoiter the situation and was 
killed by the explosion of a 77m.m shell. ^^ The battalion command devolved upon 
Captain Lucius A. Miller^' who continued the men in the position then held, and 
at 19h 30 their line became the front line, the Third Battalion, 314th Infantry, 
passing back through it and into regimental reserve in its own brigade sector.^ 
During the darkness of the evening, Major Samuel W. Fleming, Jr., of the Second 
Battalion, 315tli Infantry, was painfully wounded by a high explosive shell, and 
it looked very much as though the regiment was to lose two battalion commanders 
in a single day. Major Fleming, however, although suffering severely, refused to 
be evacuated, remaining in command of his battalion. '- 

With nightfall, the two brigades were restored to their proper elements and had 
assumed positions whereby the Division was again in position for an attack on 



294 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



4»Sir"J 




THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOE^ RE 295 

a two brigade front, each sector of battalion width, with the bahince of the brigade 
echeloned in depth in the rear. In the northern sector, the 315th Infantry had 
the First Battalion in the line, the Second Battalion in support and the Second 
Battalion, 316th Infantry, in reserve, with the Third Battalion, 315th Infantry, 
and the remaining two battalions of the 316th Infantry further behind. On the 
southern sector, the 314th Infantry had the Second Battalion in the line, the 
First Battalion in support, and the Third Battalion in reser\e, while the First 
and Second Battalions, 313th Infantry, were in reserve in the Bois de Brabant, 
and the Third Battalion, 313th, acted as Division Reserve near Molleville Farm. 
Near Molleville Farm, also, was General Kuhn, who had come up from 
Vacherauville before dawn that day and occupied the advance P. C. established 
in an old dugout during the night. A description of this post is contained in a 
field message sent back by Captain Victor Bigler, who had discovered the pL.ce. 
It read:^» 

"There is a place here for the General, which is now occupied 
by the Colonel. It has a bed in it and a table. It is not very 
large. There is a room right opposite which will do for the G-3 
oflEice. There is a room right in rear which will have to do for 
the G-2 office. There is a room in front for the message center. 
As far as bunks for officers are concerned, they are very scarce 
and not very good. There is room for some in the room the mes- 
sage center is in. Also where the G-2 room is. There is a room 
underneath the P. C. for about 14 or 15 men. There is a shack 
here that can be used for the kitchen. The road is pretty bad 
getting up and right now they are dropping shells around here. 
They are dropping them about 500 yards from here." 

From this dugout, shortly before midnight on November 9, General Kuhn 
sent the following report of the situation to the II French Colonial Corps :^° 

"My infantry held up at close of operations today in front of 
Cote 361 and Cote 328. Three energetic attempts to take the 
former Hill were without success. The troops progressed halfway 
up western slope of Cote 328; unable to proceed further. These 
hills are strongly defended by wire, machine guns, some 77 mm. 
guns, and the equivalent of 37 mm. cannon. Probably defended 
by comparatively few men. Unless enemy withdraws to-night, 
I do not believe these hills can be taken by frontal attack. Pos- 
sibly a concentric attack from the North, West and South might 
succeed. I recommend that in case an energetic forward move- 
ment is contemplated for November 10th, that as much Corps 
artillery as is available, and such divisional 155's as can range 
thereon, concentrate on the following centres of impact from 2h 
to 6h, November 10th, 31.5-84.5, 37.7-83.9, 32.4-84, 1,32.1-84.7. 
Also that when the artillery fire lifts from these targets that they 
come down from 6h to 7h on 32.3-84.1, 32.6-83.4, 32.7-83.4, 
32.5-84.1, and on the Cote de Chateau. If informed in time I 
can arrange to withdraw my troops slightly beyond the danger 
zone of these concentrations and advance thenx immediately upon 
termination thereof." 

The rapid advance of the infantry on November 9 had added to the difficulties 
of all the Division trains. In the case of Company "A", 304th Ammunition 



296 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




"Glorieux' 




The 315th Infantry forward Dressing Station in a captured Boche Engineer Ddmp in 

Bois DE Consenvoye. 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE AVOEVRE 



297 



Train, its commander. Captain Harold H. Charos, was commended for the manner 
in which his outfit followed the infantry through Etraye and Crepion with the 
needed supplies. Faced with constantly lengthening lines of evacuation, the 
304th Sanitary Train that day decided to move a field hospital closer to the 
front, and Field Hospital No. ,316 was transferred from Glorieux to Neuville, on 
the east bank of the Meuse, two kilometers below Samogneux, a triage being 
established. At the same time. Ambulance Company 314 moved to a point on 
the Consenvoye-Etraye road near Molleville Farm and established an advance 
dressing station, the personnel of Ambulance Company 313 going along as litter 
bearers from the front. ^' To shorten the line of communication on the axial 
road, the Train Headquarters of the 304th Supply Train was moved forward 
that same day from Dugny to Caserne de Neil, northwest of Verdun. 

The fatalities of No^•ember 9 among the enlisted men had been as follows: 

313th Infantry 



Company "B" 
Sergeant George E. Reich 
Privates William H. Kutchman 
Thomas A. Moylan 

Company "D" 
Privates Joseph W. Provard 
WiUiam Rubanow 



Privates Albert T. Tighe 
Robert K. WTiite 

Company "G" 
Pvt. 1st cl Casimir Marcinkiewicz 
Private Peter Smith 



314th Infantry 



Company "G" 
Privates Frederick N. McLaughlin 
Michael F. O'Connell 

Company "H" 
Private John W. Force 

Company "I" 
Private Cecil Follett 



Company "K" 
M€M?hanic John L. Theobald 



Company "L" 
Privates Joseph J. Boker 
Walter Leshock 
Joseph Miraldb 

Company "M" 
Private Benjamin E. McGee 

Machine Gun Company 
Private Nelson Branson 



315th Infantry 



Company "B" 
Bugler Henry J. Jacoby 

Company "C" 
Corporal Edwin R. Souders 

Company "E" 
Private Harry Schmalenberger 

Company "G" 
Pvt. 1st cl Americo DiPasquale 
Private Max A. Trumpa 



Compagiy "I" 
Private Harry Sandrow 

Company "L" 
Private William Nickles 

Company "M" 
Corporal Joseph M. Hellings, Jr. 

Headc[uarters Company 
Sergeant William H. Carroll 

Machine Gun Company 
Pvt. 1st cl Harry W. Mitchell 



298 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



316th Infantry 



Company "B" 
Pvt. 1st cl Jeremiah Creamer 

Company "G" 
Private Nels P. Larsen 



Company "H" 
Private Harry F. Toker 

Company "I" 
Private Abram W. Keisey 



General Kuhn was notified by the II French Colonial Corps before midnight of 
November 9 that the advance would continue on November 10 with the mission 
of the Seventy-ninth Division unchanged.'" The Division commander adopted, 
with certain modifications, a plan suggested by General Nicholson, of the 157th 
Brigade, who had evolved it in consultation with Colonel Oury, of the 314th 




Cote de Morimont and Cote d'Orne. The hills at the foot of which ouk advance was 

HALTED BT THE ArMISTICE. 

Infantry. This plan was communicated to General Kuhn by telephone at 20h 

50, November 9 as follows:'" 

"It is proposed that the right battalion, 314th Infantry, at- 
tack at 7h 30, advancing with small groups along the front of 
both flanks. Battalion organized in depth and effort made to 
encircle Hill 328 from the south. I Bn 314th Inf. in support. 
1st objective Hill 328, 2nd objective, Hill 319. Battalion com- 
mander will be impressed with the necessity of using all arms at 
his disposal, machine guns, 1-pounders, trench mortars, to the 
best practicable advantage. Harassing fire by 75's on Hill 328 
during the night, and a concentration of 75's on Hill 328 from 7h 
to 7h 30, and on Hill 319 from 7h 30 to 7h 35. Due to the range 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 299 

it is requested that harassing fire from heavies on the following 
points be made for tonight; 34.8-82.9, 35.6-82.75, 34.9-82.28, 
34.73-81.73, 35.25-81.55." 

The various coordinates mentioned in the conclusion of the message were 
points on the Cote de Romagne, along a formidable tree clad hill lying approxi- 
mately three kilometers ahead of the front line of the 314th Infantry. How this 
plan was changed by the Di^'ision Commander is set forth in the following mess- 
age, sent to both brigades at 22h 30, November 9, and which took the place of a field 
order:'" 

Our mission tomorrow unchanged. Divisional and Brigade 
zones of action unchanged. The 157th Brigade will attack Cote 
328 at 6h. The 158tli Brigade will make demonstration against 
hills on its front at the same hour and will advance and occupy 
these hills if resistance is weak. The 52nd F. A. Brigade will put 
down heavy concentration fire on Cote 328 with centers of im- 
pact on 32.0-82.0, from 4h to 6h, and after lifting will move con- 
centration eastward along Cote 319, this fire to cease at 8h 30. 
The C. G. 157th Brigade will withdraw his troops before 4h, so as 
to insure their safety from, this concentration fire. The artillery at- 
tached to both the 157th and 158th Brigades will he used at the 
discretion of the Brigade Commanders, to facilitate the accomplish- 
ment of our mission. After taking the Cote 328, the troops will 
advance eastward on to Cote 319, and will, by their fire of ma- 
chine guns, 37 mm. and rifles, assist in the taking of hills in front 
of the 158th Infantry Brigade, .\fter the taking of Cote 328 and 
C6te 319, the 52nd F. A. Brigade will be prepared to assist in the 
taking of the hills in front of the 158th Brigade." 

This message, verbatim, was forwarded by General Nicholson to Colonel Oury 
at Oh 25, November 10, with a postscript to the effect that "India One authorizes 
you to call upon the 104th Field Artillery direct for any artillery fire program you 
deem necessary."^ The necessary orders were at once issued to Major Schoge, 
commanding the Second Battalion in the front line, and, amid lieaA-y bombing 
by enemy planes, who were sailing up and doTvn the valley unmolested, the men 
were withdrawn from the positions half way up the west side of Cote 328. At 
4h, the 52nd Field i\rtillery Brigade let loose a most telling concentration upon 
C6te 328, blasting the hill with a thoroughness which drew warm commendation 
from all sides. For two hours the projectiles plunged into the mass looming 
ahead. Through the blackness, red, splintering flashes and heavy detonations 
indicated how well the bombardment was being carried out. Two hours of this, 
and then, with the gray of dawn rising in the sky, the Second Battalion, 314th 
Infantry, went driving up the slope, three companies spread out on a front line 
a kilometer wide, and one company in support, the First Battalion following 
hard on the heels of the advance. Twenty-five minutes later. Major Schoge 
dashed oft' a single sentence in his field message book, tore out the original and 
handed it to a runner, who sped back through the on-coming troops to the Batta- 
lion P. C. and the telephone wire to regimental headcpiarters. Over the wire 
it went to Colonel Oury:^* 



300 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

"10 November, 6h 25. First objective taken. Schoge." 

The conquest of the hill had been made with the utmost ease, due almost 
entirely to the magnificent preliminary artillery fire. The first squads upon the 
long ridge came upon three bewildered Germans at 7h 30 and rushed them rear- 
ward to the attention of an intelligence officer. From this trio — a peasant, a cloth- 
ing merchant and a waiter in private life — much of value was gleaned. All three 
were from the 1st Company, 2nd Battalion, 31st Regiment, 1st Landwehr Division5\ 
Gafreiter Kuchenbacher, 33 years old, of Pommern, was the peasant; Otto Lange, 
42 years old, of Hamburg, the clothing merchant; and Paul Gansov, 35 years 
old, of Pommern, the waiter. The prisoners said their Division had come into 
the line about eight days before, and that the 84th Division was on their right 
— in other words, facing the 158th Brigade. They also said that when the American 
attack began the infantry retreated, they themselves having sought refuge in a 
dugout to escape the bombardment and being taken before they could follow 
their comrades. The 31st Regiment, according to their account, had four com- 
panies of from 40 to 50 men in each of its three battalions, and each company had 
five light machine guns.^ 

The progress of the attack eastward from Cote 328 was held up at once by 
heavy machine gun fire, which came not only from Cote 319, just ahead, but from 
the chain of hills to the northwest — Cote de Morimont. The Second Battalion 
was halted and two companies of the First Battalion were pushed closer, Colonel 
Oury instructing each battalion commander to order out strong combat groups 
with a view of taking the second objective with the minimum loss.^° At 8h 15, 
in response to a request from the Twenty-sixth Division on the right. Colonel 
AVildrick, Division G-3, sent the following message to General Nicholson:^" 

"The 26th Div. report that their infantry and artillery are at 
Ville-devant-Chaumont. That they are being held up by heavy 
machine gun fire from Chaumont. They request permission to 
shoot their artillery against Chaumont. Will that endanger your 
troops?" 

General Nicholson's response was a laconic, "Yes."^" 
Then Colonel Wildrick asked:*" 

"Where are your troops now?" 
The answer came back immediately:*" 

"At 7h 10 front line was about 32.35-82.2 to 32.35-82.00. 
Our left is being held back by machine gun fire from Hill 356 on 
the left. The 1st Battalion Commander reports that he is getting 
his own machine guns on Hill 328. I do not want the 26th Div. 
Arty, to fire against Chaumont." 

The town referred to in these messages — Chaumont-devant-Damvillers — lay 
a bare kilometer south of the co-ordinate given by General Nicholson. It nestled 
at the southern base of Cote 328. As a result of the interchange with the 157th 
Brigade Commander, Colonel Wildrick then notified the Operations Officer, 
26th Division Artillery, at 8h 30:»" 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



301 




Thk iron bail marking thk advance of the 315th Infantry on Nov. 1 1 : just east of Gibercy 

AT THE FOOT OF CoTE DE MoRIMONT. 




OlR TROOPS CUTTING A LANE THROUGH A PIECE OF HEA\-Y WIRE ENTAGLEMENT. 



SO'i HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

"Our troops are on Hill 328 and are along the crest as far as 
32.5-82.2. Permission for your artillery to fire on Chauniont is 
therefore refused." 

In the area between Cote 328 and C6te 319 and on the summit of the former 
hill, the 314th Infantry was having a difficult time of it. Not only were the 
lines being deluged by machine gun and artillery fire, but German aviators were 
sweeping overhead, delivering rapid fire volleys as their planes skimmed above 
the improvised shelters thrown up by the infantry. The combat groups made 
daring efforts, but without success. In an attempt to flank the enemy position, 
one company was sent along the southern slope of C6te 319 while pressure was 
exerted straight forward as well. Other units swept into and mopped up Chau- 
mont-devant-Damvillers, but were harassed by heavy machine gun fire from Cote 
319 and forced to evacuate the town. Major Harry C. Duncan, of the First 
Battalion, showed extraordinary heroism under heav-y shell fire in organizing 
his forces for attack.^ Captain Frank F. Battles, of the Machine Gun Company, 
was instantly killed in the course of the morning, the last officer to meet death 
in action during the operations of the Division. Corporal John Shyko, Company 
"E", took command of a platoon in the absence of officers and sergeants, and 
led a successful assault, several machine gun nests being wiped out by the deter- 
mined group. ^^ Captain Charles K. McDermut, although wounded by three 
machine gun bullets while reconnoitering, lay out in the open, directing his men 
and refusing to allow stretcher bearers to endanger themselves by coming near 
him until nightfall. ^^ Sergeant Edward V. Monaghan, Company "E", although 
wounded in the face by a machine gun bullet, refused to be evacuated and led 
a successful assault against a machine gun nest with the bullet still in his flesh. ^* 
Private 1st cl David H. Lauck, Company "H", after his leader had been wounded, 
continued, alone, to operate an automatic rifle, preventing hostile machine guns 
from being moved to a more advantageous position, and manning his weapon 
until mortally wounded.^ Sergeant William C. Clark, Company "G", in charge 
of a support platoon, was cut off from the balance of the company by artillery 
fire. He reorganized the platoon while under this fire and moved it through the 
barrage, displaying skillful leadership. Shortly after he had regained his company, 
an exploding shell tore off one of his legs.^ Corporal Wesley C. Meeks, of the 
same company, made a daring liaison patrol in search of "F" Company, crossing 
open ground under intense machine gun and shell fire, being exposed to the enemy's 
sight for more than an hour and one-half in accomplishing his mission.* A Stokes 
mortar gun team of Headquarters Company, under First Lieutenant Linwood 
D. McClure, and composed of Sergeant Philip M. Hunt, Corporal Edward R. 
Ward, and Privates William H. Till, Julius AVarmbeer, Brady F. Humber and 
William A. McAvoy, won special commendation by a display of remarkable 
grit. This little group, targets for all the machine guns in the immediate front, 
pushed their gun 100 meters in front of the advanced infantry line and opened 
fire, destroying an enemy strong point consisting of two minnenwerfers and three 
machine guns, together with the Boche garrison.* Amid the shelling and machine 
guns playing, there were noted acts of heroism to succor the wounded such as the 
deed of Private John ]M. AA'ard, Medical Detachment, who waded through a swamp 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 303 

amid machine gun and shell fire, administering first aid to a wounded soldier 
and carrying him to safety. Similar were the acts of privates Henry E. Martin, 
Medical Detachment,* and Raymond S. German, Company "F",' both of whom 
aided wounded comrades, German himself being wounded. But it was beyond 
the power of rifle, machine gun and Stokes mortar to take Cote 319 unassisted. 
What the 314tli needed was artillery support and aid from Allied planes to drive 
off the German aviators. Some indications of the conditions in the early after- 
noon on the front of this heavily engaged regiment can be gleaned frona the following 
naessages. One was despatched by a pigeon from the northeast slope of Cote 
328 at 12h 15, and arrived at the pigeon loft and was forwarded to the Division 
P. C. at 14h 20.51 It read: 

"Enemy planes bombing our men on Hill 328 since 8h." 

The other was a communication received at Division P. C. from the Twenty- 
sixth Division at 14h 45, which stated i^" 

"Lieutenant commanding Bn in our left regiment sent out 
patrol to effect liaison with the 314th on left. Bn was found on 
top of Hill 328. The Major in command stated that he could 
not advance and that he is very doubtful as to whether or not he 
could hold his present position. Opposition from south slope of 
Hill is great and that he could not pass. Patrol left him at 12h 
30. Report received by our left regiment at 14h 45." 

The battalion commanders had kept Colonel Oury thoroughlj' posted as to 
the progress of the attack and, he in, turn was in constant communication with 
General Nicholson until 12h 30, when the telephone wire went out. 5° The Bri- 
gade Commander then despatched an aide with a field message to the Colonel. 
This reached him at 13h. It stated:" 

'Telephone wire has been out for half hour. It is getting 
late. We are waiting your plan of attack for this afternoon, and 
the action recjuired by you of heavy artillery, which is now ready 
to support you. Attack must go forward and Hill 319 captured 
before dark. If we cannot get telephone communication in time 
for use of heavies, attack must go on without them. Acknowledge 
and report your plan, situation and action by bearer of this mes- 
sage." 

While Colonel Oury was writing his plan for the aide to take back to General 
Nicholson, it would be well to turn to the 158tli Brigade, which had been given a 
mission of demonstration against the hills on its front. The First Battalion, 
315th Infantry, leading the attack on the left ot the line, had not left the shelter 
of the railroad embankment between Wavrille and the road fork below Damvillers 
until 7h. An artillery barrage by the 105th Field Artillery had been delivered 
upon the Cote d'Orne and the Cote de Morimont.^' Preceding the infantry 
advance went a barrage from the heavy Brownings of Companies "A" and "C", 
312th Machine Gun Battalion, located on the nose of a hill east of Wavrille. This 
direct fire lasted until 7h 30.'^ 



S04 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



'ar' 



IlimerLaQQi 

Br^repipn. j 



*«^ 



A FAHriUAR SIGN TO THOSE WTIO WEEK OX THE FRONT LI.VE IN OUR SECTOR. 




Men of the Second Battalion, 314th Infantry waiting for the order to go over the top. 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 305 

The valley of the Thiiite River was thick with fog, which, while it interfered 
with proper liaison, also prevented the enemy from having good targets. Never- 
theless, a galling machine gun and artillery fire was poured into the face of the 
advancing First Battalion, the hostile weapons also harrassing the Second Battalion 
in support. The Second Battalion, 316th Infantry, which had lain during the 
night near Wavrille, south of the line of the 315th, also attacked at 7h 30, pressing 
toward the centre of the valley between Cote 319 on the south and the Cote de 
Moriniont on the north. ^' This latter unit was protected from most of the machine 
gun fire during the initial stages of the advance by the fog, but was continually 
harassed by artillery fire. The three battalions crossed the Thinte River, the 
men wading or using litters as improvised bridges. In front of the 315th lay the 
C6te d'Orne — to the north of the Division sector — ^which they confronted by 
virtue of the fact that the left of their line was actually operating in Fifteenth 
French Division territory. The First Battalion pressed forward under machine 
gun fire which grew more intense, the advancing skirmish lines reaching the lower 
slope of the hill. From that point the men could go no further. Reluctantly 
they fell back to what shelter could be found under the east bank of the river. 
Here the ranks were reformed and a second assault launched an hour later. ^' 
Amid deeds of the greatest gallantry the First Battalion again fought its way to 
the lower slope of the C6te d'Orne. It was here that Corporal Charles Palardy, 
Company "E", and Private William H. Swearington, Medical Detachment, 
won the Distinguished Ser\-ice Cross by their bravery in aiding wounded men 
on the exposed hillside. At 9h 50, General Johnson reported the situation to 
Division P. C. as follows:^" 

"Fog in the valley is so dense that we are absolutely unable 
to see anything in front. We are making a demonstration to- 
ward our front, swinging our right well forward and to the left 
with a view of gaining our objective from that direction. The 
direct forward movement of our left is with the idea only of dem- 
onstration with the possibility of getting on that big hill. For 
that I think there is very little hope. That big hill is really in 
French territory and is not our objective, but the French have 
side stepped that altogether and are attacking Cote du Chateau 
to the north. That makes it necessary for me to demonstrate 
against that hill in order that I may not get fire against my flanks, 
as they move toward the Cote de Morimont." 

General Johnson was right. There was slight hope of taking the Cote d'Orne 
by a mere demonstration and the 315th Infantry, after the second attack was 
held up at about the same location reached by the first push, fell back to the east 
bank of la Thinte Ruisseau for the second time. The Second Battalion of the 
316th Infantry, however, advancing through the valley, reached a point about 
one kilometer east of Gibercy when the fog lifted. The battalion commander. 
Captain Strong, discovered immediately that his command was flanked on all 
sides by machine guns; that it was as dangerous to go back as to go forward, and 
that the only course left was to dig in. Accordingly, the battalion entrenched 
itself while the machine gun company managed to withdraw to the railroad line.^'^ 

On the south front, the plans for artillery cooperation in an attack upon 
Cote 319 were completed but liaison with brigade was necessarily poor with the 



306 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

collapse of the telephone wire. Colonel Oury had just despatched a runner with 
the final plan when a message was received at 15h from General Nicholson, stat- 
ing: 



r-50 



"Italy reports that they have not taken their first objective 
and are waiting for you to take Hill 319 so you see the necessity 
of pushing forward with plan we suggested a few minutes ago, so 
hurry up with details." 

General Kuhn had left his advance P. C. near Molleville Farm around 14h to 
direct the artillery preparations on Cote 319 in person. He arrived at General 
Nicholson's headquarters, located in the southern edge of the Bois des Chenes 
about 100 meters north of the Samogneux-Crepion road, and approved of Colonel 
Oury 's plan, then received.*^ It called for a concentration of heavies on the strong 
points further east and by the light guns on the hill itself. The bombardment 
began at 15h 50 and lasted until 16h 20.^ Of it. Colonel Oury said later: 

"The first few shots of the heavies, when they did open about 
16h were short. Perfect communication that we had with the 
front at that time enabled this fact to be reported back to the 
artillery and the range was raised 200 yards all along the line with 
the heavies. The action of the light artillery was exactly as de- 
sired." 

Six companies of the 314th — the Second Battalion and two companies of 
the First Battalion — rushed Cote 319 as the artillery fire lifted and found that 
the resistance had been literally blown away. The few machine gunners left 
were mopped up systematically, and the advance units passed on to a line running 
north and south through the eastern slope. ^^ Along that line for a kilometer and 
one-half the troops dug in. That night General Kuhn, notifying the II Colonial 
French Corps of the day's success, stated:^" 

"Right Brigade reports at 20h 10 that Hill 319 was taken by 
the 314th Infantry at about 19h 45. Harassing fire on Cote Ro- 
magne will continue throughout night by Divisional Artillery." 

The fatalities that day were confined to the 314th and 315th Infantry and the 
one battalion of the 316th which had participated in the fighting. The killed and 
died of wounds among the enlisted personnel were as follows: 

314th Infantry 

Company "A" Company "D" 

Pvt. 1st cl Philip Picet Pvt. 1st cl Charles A. Escandel 
Privates Paul F. Craig 

Joseph P. Foster Company "F" 

Nicholas Mezzanotte Bugler Harry H. Herlikofer 

„ <<r>ji Privates Axel E. Bjorklund 

Conipany B jj^ 1^ McMonagle 

Private George A. Turner j^^^^^ ^ j^jo^^^ 

Company " C " George W. Zimmerman 

Private William I. Priddy 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



307 




Mem of the SO-Ith Engi.veers repairing roau i\ 1)am\ ii.iJEiis. .Machine Gun bullets 

WEBE TRACKING OVER THEM WHEN THIS \IEW WAS SNAPPED 




Ration Carriers of the 314th Infantry during thkiu attaik hn Hill :'A'.>. Tiii.-i iiah cone 

OVER the top three TIMES IN 24 HoURS FOR A GAIN OF 5 KILOMETERS, Nov. IOtH, 1918. 



308 



HISTORY OF^THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Company "G" 
Sergeant Jacob D. Nipple 
Corporal Charles G. Devoe 
Privates Joseph A. Dionne 

Raymond E. Rowan 
Alphonse Yelle 

Company "H" 
Sergeant Max A. Greene 
Corporals Carl A. Fenner 

Joseph W. Lorsong 
John T. Oliver 



Pvts. 1st el Clarence A. Eck 
George F. Heim 
John C. Simpson 

Privates Joseph R. Bechdel 
Luther D. Miller 

Company "I" 
Private Michael Tamborella 

Machine Gun Company 
Privates Harold G. Edwards 
Francis Kelley 

Headquarters Company 
Private Leonidas Vlachos 




'Counting the Cost" 
315th Infantry 



Company ''A" 
Privates Nicholas G. Forlini 
William L. Justus 
Solomon Spicker 

Company "C" 
Private Frank Santasiri 

Company "E" 
Private Ira B. Righter 



Company "A" 
Pvt. 1st cl Wilmer M. Landis 

Company "E" 
Privates Rosario Morabito 
Howard W. Younie 



Company "F" 
Privates James S. Ross 
John F. Stewart 

Company "H" 
Privates Morris Lipkin 

Michaele Picciolle 



316th Infantry 



Company "G" 
Privates Raffaele Dardee 
Joseph Francis 



That night of November 10-11, while the Division artillery played with 
concentrated fury upon the line of hills ahead — Cote d'Orne, Cote de Morimont 
and C6te de Romagne — the plans for the attack on the next morning were com- 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 309 

pleted, and, as a part of the infantry advance contemplated, it was necessary that 
the shallow but muddy bottomed Thinte River be bridged for the passage of troops, 
and, if necessary, artillery. The task devolved upon the 304th Engineers. Foot 
bridges for the 158th Brigade, particularly, were called for early in the afternoon 
of November 10, and, at 19h 20, Colonel Barber had notified his First Battalion 
to "build to-night two foot bridges on the Thinte at app. 30.5-84.0 and 30.7-83.4 "'» 
At 21h the same night he notified his Second Battalion to "at once rebuild the 
bridge at Gibercy. Have this ready for truck traffic by daylight. Also put two 
or more foot bridges across the Thinte south of Gibercy before morning." 

The footbridges to be used for the 158th Brigade were framed in sections 
near Etraye and transported to the designated points in the darkness. The 
enemy lines were close and the first sound of nail driving would have caused machine 
guns to sweep the area, so the bridges were lashed together by rope and wire. 
The work was done by "A" Company, the other units of the battalion continuing 
their road repair duty.^° Seven more bridges of the same type were erected as 
soon as the experimental ones were seen to be satisfactory. The rebuilding of 
the bridge at Gibercy was a more dangerous undertaking. It was assigned to 
"E" Company, with "D" Company to assist in clearing the waterway and hauling 
lumber. The bridge had been a stone affair and the abutments alone remained 
intact. Lumber was brought to within about a kilometer by trucks of the Engineer 
Train, and a trestle bridge twenty-six feet long was framed by carpenters and 
was in position at 5h 30, November 11. At that time the Germans gassed the 
area, but shelling was futile because of the heavy fog. The bridge was ready for 
the passage of troops by daylight. '^ 

A number of Division citations were awarded members of the regiment 
for the work; to Captain Wallace Ashby, Company "E", for constructing the 
bridge at Gibercy; to Captain James M. Roberts, First Battalion Adjutant, for 
assembling the material and assisting in placing the nine foot bridges; to Captain 
Richard C. Greenland, Company "A", for supervising the erection of the nine 
foot bridges; to Lieutenant James E. Donovan, Company "A", for leading the 
carrying parties with material under shell and machine gun fire; to Sergeant 1st 
cl Benjamin P. Koch, Company "F", for remaining exposed to enemy shell fire 
to complete the Gibercy bridge; to Sergeant James A. Mitchell and Private 1st 
cl Morton M. Babcock, Company "A", for carrying the material under fire; 
to Lieutenant Marcus J. Youmans, Sergeant Claude H. Steigerwalt and Corporal 
William T. Wrightson, Company "A", for bravery under fire in erecting the 
footbridges; to First Sergeant Samuel F. W. Morrison, Corporal Robert J. Williams 
and Corporal Benjamin Tuck, in making reconnaissances for the bridge sites; 
and to Private 1st cl John H. Fean and Private James J. Mclntyre, Company 
"E", for carrying wounded from the bridge under shell fire. 

An hour before the Engineers had even started rebuilding the bridge at 
Gibercy, the II French Colonial Corps had forwarded Order of Operation No. 42 to 
the Divisions under it, and the Seventy-ninth was informed that its mission was to 
"continue its pressure from the front and be ready to exploit vigorously in the 
direction of Azannes the result of the special attack conducted by the 26th Divi- 
sion in the region of Ornes. "^' An hour before midnight General Kuhn forwarded 



310 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



a message to his brigade commanders, specifying the exact conduct of the next 
day's operations. The 158th Brigade would continue to exert pressure in the 
form of demonstrations against the hills in front of it. The contemplated use 
of the 157th Brigade, however, was more involved. The exact instructions to it 

.50 



were : 



"The 157th Infantry Brigade will, with the troops now on 
Hill 319, exert pressure in the form of demonstrations against 
Cote de Romagne. A battalion of the 313th Infantry, with one 
platoon of 75's, to be designated by the Commanding General, 
157th Brigade, as accompanying artillery, will demonstrate against 
the Cote de Romagne from the south-west, and will detach suf- 
ficient troops to capture Azannes. Chaumont-devant-Damvil- 
lers must be mopped up before this movement progresses to the 
east thereof. In case Ville-devant-Chaumont is occupied by the 
enemy, flank protection will be provided in the direction of that 
village. Should it at any time appear that the resistance of the 




Evidence of the Gerhl\n sentlment toward our Allies. 

enemy is materially weakening, the ground in front will be im- 
mediately occupied and the attack pressed vigorously. The re- 
maining battalion of the 313th Infantry, now at the disposal of 
the Commanding General, 157th Infantry Brigade, will be held 
in readiness to exploit any success which may be attained by the 
26th Division on our right." 

In addition, the Field Message ordered the Division Reserve, consisting of 
the Third Battalion, 313th Infantry, and the 310th Machine Gun Battalion to 
start at 7h from Molleville Farm toward Ormont Fme, and instructed the 5'2nd 
Artillery Brigade to be ready to lay down concentration fire on sensitive points 
upon call from the infantry. The hour for the infantry advance was set for 9h 
30.^» 

The situation called for some rapid manipulation of infantrj' during the night. 
Major John Elliott, commanding the Third Battalion, 313th Infantry, notified 
the Division Commander at 5h 30 that, M-ith Major Evans, of the 310th Machine 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 



311 



Gun Battalion, a gas casualty, he had assumed command of the Division Reserve 
and would proceed as directed at Th.^" At 6h, in order to be in position in time, 
the First Battalion, 313th Infantry, left the shelter of the Bois de Brabant and 
started due eastward for a march of nearly six kilometers, necessary before it could 
get into liaison with the right of the line of the SHth Infantry for the jump off 
at 9h 30.«2 At 4h, the Machine Gun Company, 316th Infantry, had been relieved 
from its position on the railroad embankment near Gibercy, and steps were on 
foot to relieve the Second Battalion of the same reginient, which was dug in mid- 
way between Gibercy and the C6te de Morimont." But the most strategic move 
of all was made by the 315th Infantry. This regiment, for about thirty-six hours, 
had been under intense fire from the Cote d'Orne on its front and had suffered 
many casualties in two unsuccessful demonstrations against the German strong- 
hold. Colonel Knowles decided that another frontal attack, such as the two 




■m-4* 



i 



.:isi^SjiSQ^iei-<siaif-H^ 



DIV^sION P. C, Rear Echelon, fhom wiiich Gexer.\l Cl.\udel's Armistice message was Relayed 

launched on November 10, would be futile, and, instead, made a bold flanking 
movement under cover of the heavy mist in the valley of the Thinte River near 
dawn. Without the enemy once suspecting what was underway, the 315th moved 
due south down the line of the river for two kilometers and took up position on 
the western slope of Cote 328. This maneuver opened a gap in the line, but one 
which could be filled readily enough by the 316th Infantry, in support and southeast 
of Etraye.^^ Before the day dawned. Colonel Knowles' men were out of sight of 
the enemy and in formation, ready to advance northeasterly against the C6te de 
Morimont. 

And just a short time after dawn on that bleak, but memorable, November 11, 
wonderful news had come to the Division Commander.^^ 



312 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



"MESSAGE From: Major Blaney (Rear P. C.) 
To: Itasca 7 

Nov. 11, 1918. 
8hl5 
From: Marshal Foch 
To: The Commander in Chief 

1. Hostilities will cease on the M'hole front beginning at llh 
(French time) November 11. 

2. The Allied Troops will not pass until further orders the 
line reached upon that date and that hour, 

(Signed) Marshal Foch. 




RtiNNERS OF THE SloTK Infantet L.-R. Pvts. William Wachter, R. D. Thompson-, J. J. Mui^ 

CAHT AND John McCaughtry. 

(No. 132-S-3 

This is transmitted by General Claudel to Generals com- 
manding the Divisions for compliance with the instructions con- 
tained in the telegram from the 1st American Army of Nov. 8, 
given personallv to the Generals of the Divisions under our com- 
mand. (No. *125-S-3. On Nov. 8. 1918)." 

If the enlisted personnel in the message center had time for any thoughts 
just then, it perhaps dawned upon them that the rumors in circulations around 
November 7 and 8 must have had a little foundation in fact, or, if not, were at 
least strangely coincidental with the instructions of November 8 mentioned by 
General Claudel. However, the message center was kept busy, too busy for 




Ruins of Vacherauville, 79th Dimsi 




The Hills East of Damvillers at whi< 




W^' 




?^^m^?^f^^^^ 







. I 



N Dugouts Oct. 29-Dec. 26, lOlH. 



t* 

«(.;.>-, 



ll:Mtt 1^ 




[E Halted Nov. 11, 1918 at 11 A. M. 








THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOE\T{E 



313 




1st Army Troop Disposition Map showing situation at 11h Nov. 11, 1918, along American 
Army front. Note the Salient of our Division. 



314 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



much speculation, as at 91i the following went via telephone to the brigade com- 
manders:^" 

"Hostilities will cease on the whole front at llh, today, French 
time. Until that hour the operations previously ordered will be 
pressed with vigor. At llh our lines will halt in place and no 
man M'ill move one step backward or forward. All men will 
cease firing and dig in. In case the enemy does not likewise sus- 
pend fire, firing will be resumed but no further advance be per- 
mitted. No fraternization will be allowed. Brigade and other 
commanders concerned are charged with the important duty of 
transmitting these orders to the troops and securing their strict 




The Aumistu e at hie Fuoxt. 

enforcement. Rockets or other signals may be used to notify 
the front line of the arrival of 11 H." 

From brigade headquarters to regimental headquarters the message was 
passed on over the wire, but, in the case of all the units in the line, it was necessary 
to advance the message by runners which meant that men, carrying the news 
that the fighting would cease at llh, knew the contents of the messages, knew that 
death lurked for them in the intervening minutes and, nevertheless, performed 
their duty. 

With the Armistice order safely on its way. General Kuhn at once prepared 
and forwarded in the same method certain amplifications, which provided the 
following measures when firing ceased :"'■■ 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE WOEVRE 31o 

"(a) Outposts will be established on our front line as outlined 
by our most advanced elements or patrols. The Ijahuiee of the 
command will be disposed in depth for defense, and the strictest 
vigilance and dis(i])linc will be maintained. 

(b) Ourwounded and dead, including' any which may be between 
our front line and that of the eneniy, will be recovered and the 
enemy will be permitted to do likewise. Property and ec(uii)ment 
between the opposing lines will not be removed by either oux 
troops or the enemy. 

(c) None of the cTieniy will be permitted to move in our 
direction except to recover dead and wounded, and no fraterniza- 
tion of any kind whatsoever will be permitted. This includes con- 
versation from line to line between individuals of our forces and 
those of the enemy. Drastic measures will, if necessary, be re- 
sorted to to enforce this. 

(d) Units disorganized by preceding operations will be re- 
organized as quickly as possible, shortage in arms and equipment 
made good, and every preparation made for resuming the of- 
fensive or following up the retreating enemy upon receipt of orders. 

(e) Our front line as outlined by our most advanced elements 
or patrols will be reported, with the least practicable delay, ac- 
curately by coordinates, to these headquarters by the speediest 
means of communication, to be followed by a sketch also prepared 
and transmitted without delay to these headcjuarters showing the 
position of our front line and approximately that of the enemy. 

(f) It must be emphatically impressed upon all ranks that 
the situation which will exist subsequent to llh, Nov. 11, 1918, is 
a cessation of hostilities and not peace." 

While the Armistice message was passing through the various stages of its 
transmission to the front line battalions, the time for the morning attack had 
arrived, and, at 9h 30, the infantry began its advance, the 315th with the First 
Battalion in the line, the Second Battalion in support and the Third Battalion 
in Reserve; the 314th, with the First and Second Battalions in the line and the 
Third in support, and the 313th, with the First Battalion in the line. Over the 
heads of the 315th a barrage from the heavy Brownings of Companies "A" and 
"C", 312th Machine Gun Battalion, was whistling into the Cote d'Orne and 
the Cote de Morimont.^^ On the front of the First Battalion, 314th Infantry, an- 
other barrage was being delivered by Company "D", 311th Machine Gun Bat- 
talion, but the fog prevented Companies "B" and "C", of the same battalion, 
from supporting the advance of the Second Battalion, 314th, and First Bat- 
talion, 313th, with a similar protection fire.*^ 

The fog interfered with the accuracy of the enemy artillery fire, and, as though 
to offset this, the hail of shot and shell seemed to be redoubled. Just a few minutes 
before the 315th started its forward movement, for example, a terrific barrage 
was laid on the northwest slope of C6te 328, but, fortunately, in open space be- 
tween the First and Second Battalions. At that, three lives were lost in an heroic 
manner, they being Private American Di Pasquale, Company "G", who was 
killed while voluntarily crossing and recrossing the shelled area to act as a connect- 
ing file;^- Sergeant Paul B. Jenkins, Headquarters Company, who was installing 
a telephone line when the barrage roared in and refused to leave his post, continu- 



316 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



ing his endeavors until instantly killed,'^ and Private 1st cl Edward F. MaAleer, 
Company "K", who was acting as a despatch bearer.' 

The advance of the 315th Infantry was pushed slowly and cautiously, a single 
company, "D", moving forward with instructions to develop the enemy's position. 
This unit advanced astride a road leading northeast from Gibercj' and shortly 
before llh overran "a German field piece on the roadside northeast of Gibercy. "^^ 
Before that, runners had reached it with news of the pending Armistice. Never- 
theless, the company continued, moving up the lower slope of the Cote de Mori* 
mont.'' 

The First and Second Battalions, 314th Infantry, in the centre, moved 
straight eastward from the line crossing C6te 319 and, protected by the fog, with- 
out which "the casualties would have been very serious." reached and started 
the ascent of the western edge of the C&te de Romagne.^" In the attack all liaison 
was lost with the First Battalion, 313th Infantry. This latter unit, on a line 




f .-i^'^i4:„ 



Where Tm: Skiund ll\i i'ai.iux, .'Jljni Infaxtkv iillij ihe lim; (i\ the mukmm. ci \ii\. 11, 
1918. Hill 328, beyond Giberct, Grande Montagne Sector. 

running from Chauniont-devant-Damvillers south to Ville-devant-Chaumont, 
both of which towns had to be mopped up, had, following instructions, progressed 
rapidly toward Azannes, encountering terrific artillery fire. Fortunately, the shells 
struck deep in the boggy ground, hurling great columns of water and mud when 
exploding, but doing little damage. The Armistice message reached it at 10h44. 
At the same time the American artillery seemed to roar with more terrible 
concentration. Evidently the gunners were forcing their weapons to inflict as 
much damage as possible on the Boche before the arrival of Armistice hour. 
Right ahead of the 313th were German machine gun nests being defended to the 
last.^^ On the right of the line, at lOh 59, Private Henry Gunther, Company 
"A", charging headlong upon an enemy weapon, was shot to death, ^ and, almost 
as he fell, the firing died away and an appalling silence prevailed. The 
fighting was over. The roar of the guns had ceased as if by magic. From the 



THROUGH THE HEIGHTS TO THE W0E\TIE 317 

Cote de Moriniont in a broad sweep to near Azannes the men, almost unbelieving, 
stopped, wondered, and, amid silence so deep as to be oppressive and almost 
overwhelming, dug in. 

Armistice hour — llh, 11th day, 11th month — and, in the final thrust of the 
final day, the Seventy-ninth Division had gained a threefold distinction. The 
313th Infantry had, in the death of Private Gunther, the sad honor of losing 
perhaps the last man killed in action on the Western Front. The 315tli Infantry, 
in the capture of the German field piece, had secured likely the last large hostile 
trophy of the war. The 314th Infantry, as it halted on the slopes of the Cote 
de Romagne, had thrust the deepest salient into the German line on the entire 
front east of the Meuse. 



CHAPTER IX 
AFTER THE ARMISTICE 

IN startling contrast with what had gone before, was the quiet reigning 
amid the Meuse hills after llh, November 11. In the first few moments of 
suspense the men literally held their breath, expecting momentarily to hear 
the gun fire break forth with renewed vigor. Only as the minutes sped past and 
the silence remained unbroken, was it finally borne in upon them that the hostil- 
ities had ceased for good. Even then there was little of elation or excitement on 
the front of the Seventy-ninth Division. The artillerymen down in Death Valley 
were hilarious, but the infantry, on the slopes of the Cotes de Morimont and de 
Romagne, preserved an almost stoical calm. Perhaps the greatest relief was the 
knowledge that an exposed head would not draw rifle fire, that a man could stand 
erect without being sprayed by machine gun bullets, that shell holes no longer 
were necessary as protections against enemy fire, and that real hot food was com- 
ing up from the rear. 

There was much to be done which permitted of no time for celebration. The 
advance positions, whether established by patrol or combat groups, had to be 
plotted and described, a map had to be drawn, — the positions made sufficiently 
strong to hold in case of a counter-attaick. 

While they worked, the men gazed curiously upon the enemy lines. Every 
where the Boche had come out in the open, evidently, from the noise, vociferously 
happy. In one or two instances small parties of Germans sought to fraternize 
with the men of the Division, but without success. The supplemental order from 
the Division Commander forbade it, but it would have been unsuccessful anyhow. 
The Seventy-ninth was in no mood to converse with the enemy. Its dead, already 
being gathered up tenderly by burying details, spoke silently — prohibiting such 
sacrilege. 

By dusk the advance positions had been fully organized. The troops, still 
on the alert but relaxing at last with the knowledge that no night of artillery hor- 
ror was ahead of them, settled themselves comfortably and were treated to a gor- 
geous display of fireworks. The enemy, from the C6tes de Romagne, de Mori- 
mont and d'Orne, was setting off its entire pyrotechnic supply on that front. 
Rockets and Very candles, red fire, blue fire, green fire, all the night signalling 
material from its dumps, were sparkling and sizzling in the air. Almost all night 
long the display continued, interspersed with male voices lifted in songs of the 
"Fatherland." 

Camp fires gleamed on the heights and in the valley. Men struck matches 
with no fear of a reprimand or a sniper bullet. The night noises of nature mingled 

(318) 



AFTER THE ARMISTICE 



319 










HiLL y-iS OK Cote de Mokimoxt. Graxde Montagme Sector. 




Troops of the Ijl.Vni Ixfaxtuy ix GiiiEiav Tin: day nr tiii; Aumistri 



320 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

with the sound of American voices chatting and singing all up and down the line 
and behind it, in Gibercy and Crepion, Moirey and Wavrille, Etraye and Chau- 
mont-devant-Damvillers, Samogneux and Consenvoye, Vachereauville and Molle- 
ville Ferme. No night ration parties, no dangerous reliefs, no panting runners, 
no detailed field orders, no bursting high explosives or shrapnel, no raiding airmen 
on the open roads, no stifling powder smoke in the air, no litter bearers on the 
trails, no moaning wounded at the first aid stations, no turmoil, no tragedy — only 
peace. 

And at Division Headquarters, that brain center of the whole Division — 
that center which throughout all the offensives had carried the responsibilities 
of the operations — the Commanding General with the sense of a great and op- 
pressing load relieved, the Chief of Staff, ever active and at the highest nerve 
tension — G3, with the strain of directing operations and the never ending duty of 
framing orders for the movement of troops — all these. General Kuhn, Colonel 
Ross and Lieutenant Colonel Wildrick and their numerous aides and assistants, 
who had been working ceaselessly for days and nights, at the breaking point of 
nerve tension — all these felt the reaction, the tremendous relief from responsibility, 
and the quiet peace, and were able to relax and gain a well earned rest. 

The achievement of that peace in the last few hours of fighting had been 
costly. These were the men who gave their lives in the final day, who were killed 
in action or died of wounds up to Armistice hour on November 11: 

313th Infantry 

Company "A" Company "C" 

Private Henry N. Gunther Private Curtis Southern 

Company "B" Company "E" 

Private Fred W. Stark Private Lewis E. Wenzel 

314th Infantry 

Company "F" Company "K" 

Privates David E. Kern Pvt. 1st cl Claude R. Knauss 

Philip A. Schneider 

Company "L" 
Company "G" Private William A. Kelly 

Sergeant Brewster A. Dibble 

Private Austin F. O'Hare Machine Gun Company 

Sergeant John S. Winner 
Private James Smith 

315th Infantry 

Company "D" Company "G" 

Pvt. 1st cl Henry Cantavespi Private America DiPasquale 

Company "E" Company "K" 

Private James T. Kinser Pvt. 1st cl Edward F. McAleer 

Private Peter Zack 
Company "F" 
Private Charles W. Smith Headquarters Company 

Sergeant Paul B. Jenkins 



AFTER THE ARMISTICE 



321 



- II «i IbF 



^ 



' 4^,i^i^.(v-^fq.^^|^l. 








On the hill top above Molleville Farm, Nov. li, 1918, burial exercises o^•ER 

FALLEN HEROES OF THE 79TH AN'D 2!)TH DIVISIONS. 




To the Chaplains fell This Sacred Duty 



322 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

316th Infantry 

Company "A" Company "I" 

Private Davis McNeill Private Fred Nimke 

Company "B" Company "K" 

Private William R. Bretthauer Privates Edgar B. Harrison 

Alfred E. Kothmann 
Company " C " Rufus A. Potter 

Privates Antonio Cornignanis Harry A. Smock 

Kristian Jensen Monroe K. Witmer 

Joseph McHugh 

Company "M" 
Company "D" Privates John E. Reinig 

Privates John W. E. Foster Charles G. Sterling 

Charles H. SchnioU 
Frank Sonsire 

312th Machine Gun Battalion 
Company "C" 
Private Ira W. Oberlin 

Magnificent had been the achievements of the Seventy-ninth Division in the 
elev^en days preceding the Armistice. It had conquered la Borne de Cornouiller 
and driven the enemy four and one-half kilometers northward. Then it had 
turned on a pivot and struck a five kilometer blow eastward. Nine and one-half 
kilometers in all had been the total of the advance/ made through a stern re- 
sistance indeed, for the enemy had been defending its last lines. How determined 
had been the enemy's last stand, the total of prisoners captured demonstrated. 
The Division G-2 had a record of 131 and the regiments reported 192,' a discrep- 
ancy of sixty-one which is accounted for probably by captives being turned over 
to neighboring units of other divisions. The Boche did not surrender in tliose 
final days; they were making a determined rear-guard stand of it and fighting 
desperately. 

The material taken by the Division, however, ran into tremendous figures, 
the great bulk of it being confiscated when the drive through the Bois de la Grande 
Montagne, Bois d'Ecurey, Bois d'Etraye and Bois de Wa^-rille was too rapid for 
the enemy to destroy what he was forced to abandon. Some of the material cap- 
tured included 10,000 77mm. German shells, 48,000 hand grenades, twenty-four 
machine guns, 1,248 boxes of loaded machine gun belts, six trench mortars, 1,000 
rifles, 10,000 rounds of machine gun ammunition, 150,000 steel rods for reinforce- 
ments, 150,000 steel posts for wire entanglements, thirty narrow guage cars, 1,000 
rolls of barbed wire entanglement, 25,000 rolls of barbed wire, a complete surgical 
laboratory, a great variety of building material — lumber, tools, piping, track- 
age, etc. — and the one 150mm. gun taken by the 315th Infantry in the last minutes 
of fighting. 

All of these achievements had cost the Division hea^'y casualties. From 
October 29, M'hen the 158th Infantry Brigade first entered the sector, until Ar- 
mistice day and hour, the Seventy-ninth lost ten officers and 453 men killed, 
fifty-two officers and 1,522 men wounded and gassed; two officers and 418 men 
missing, and three officers and forty-three men captured.^ 



AFTER THE ARMISTICE 



323 




ti ' 



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a 
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324 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



The splendid work of the Division is well summarized by General Kuhn in 
the official Report of Operations in which he draws the following conclusions:' 

"The division fought with much more skill, as a result of the 
first experience at Montfaucon. The energies of combat units 
were husbanded and not dissipated so rapidly as on the first of- 
fensive. Troops were kept well in hand, and straggling was kept 
at a gratifyingly low limit. After eight days of severe combat, the 
158th Brigade, although somewhat depleted, was still capable of 
further effort, while the 157th Brigade, after three daj's' offensive 
was still relatively fresh, and the division as a whole could have 
maintained considerable driving power for a number of days." 

Seldom is it given to a single division to have the honor of attacking the two 
focal points of an army front. Yet such was the honor which fell to the Seventy- 
ninth. On September 26, when the First American Army arrayed itself before 




German howitzers being brought back from Grande Montagne Woods to captured artillery 

PARK AT VaCHERAU\'ILLE. 

the line of the Meuse-Argonne, two eminences stood out boldly within the German 
lines — Montfaucon and la Borne de Cornouiller. Montfaucon was within the 
first phase objective. It was taken by the Seventy-ninth despite a desperate 
resistance. La Borne de Cornouiller was a last phase objective. Here, too, the 
task fell to the Seventy-ninth, and a fight, more sanguine than that which had 
reigned in the valley north through Malancourt in September, marked the subju- 
gation of this prominent enemy position, the highest point on the entire Meuse- 
Argonne front, in early November. 

The cost in men to attain these eminences and the ground around or beyond 
them, was indeed heavy. The Division casualties over the entire period are still 
in the process of final tabulation, re-checking and compilation. They vary from 
207 officers and 7,217 men, as figured by the Division itself on November 20, 
1918, to 258 oflScers and 6,872 men as computed several months after the fight- 
ing.^ 



AFTER THE ARMISTICE 325 

To the men of the Division three great incidents stand out in their fighting 
record — INIontfaucon, la Borne de Cornouiller, and the fact that the Seventy- 
ninth M'as in at the beginning of the Meuse-Argonne offensive and was in the line 
and fighting at the Armistice hour. 

As the narrative of events has progressed, the names of the men killed in 
action or died of wounds have been recorded daily. There are yet to be added to 
the fatalities, however, two lists, one of the seventy-two men killed in action or 
died of wounds, where the date of the casualty is not known, and the other of those 
who died of wounds after the Armistice. 

In the case of the seventy-two of whom the dates of death are not known, an 
effort was made to secure the information from the War Department on August 
17, 1921. This effort met with the following result: 

A. G. 704.1— 79th Division August 30, 1921 

Mr. J. Frank Barber, 
1012-1014 Filbert St., 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

Dear Sir: 

With reference to your request of August 17, 1921, to be fur- 
nished with the dates of death of all or part of the seventy-two 
names of deceased soldiers of the 79th Division, you are advised 
that by reason of the limited clerical force allowed by law and 
because of the pressure of the important current work of the of- 
fice, this Department is unable at this time to comply with re- 
quests involving the expenditure of so much time and labor as 
yours will require. 

(Signed) P. C. Harris 
The Adjutant General 
R. 

The seventy-two who surrendered their lives somewhere on the Division's 
battle lines, are as follows: 

313th Inf.\ntry 

Company "A" Company "F" 

Sergeant Albert C. Taylor Private Maulden Dennis 

Company "D" Company "H" 

Pvt. 1st cl Joseph S. Dashiell Corporal John C. Smith 

Private Clarence Clevenger Private Henry E. Snyder 

Company "E" Company "K" 

Corporal Guy P. Liller Private Ferdinand A. Klein 

Privates Curtis F. Balthaser 

William Wend Machine Gun Company 

Private Allen Dickey 



326 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Company "E" 
Pvt. 1st cl Augustus M. Leonard 

Company "F" 
Private Clarence Page 

Company "G" 
Pvt. 1st cl Saverio Calvaresi 
Privates Orbie L. Ore 

Clarence F. Surprise 



314th Infantry 

Private Charles B. Oldham 



Company "H" 
Private George G. Calvert 



Company "I" 
Corporal Joseph F. Thompson 

Headquarters Company 
Privates Thomas J. Huston 
Charles K. Mull 

Medical Detachment 
Private Joseph P. Szedlock 



315th Infantry 



Company "A" 
Privates Bryant M. Dolbow 
Edward Hepp 
Salvatore Schimmenti 

Company "B" 
Private Frederick W. Herrmann 

Company "C" 
Corporal Harry Friel 
Private Frank W. Corbett 

Company "D" 
Mechanic William J. Moore 
Privates Samuel Novick 

Nick A. Thorman 



Company "E" 
Private Spencer H. Sauer 

Company "G" 
Sergeant William J. Lyshon 

Company "K" 
Pvt. 1st cl William A. Nichols 
Privates John V. Scudero 

Clarence W. South 

Company "L" 
Private Frank O. Steckelberg 

Company "M" 
Private Daniel F. Toolan 



SIGth Infantry 



Company "A" 
Sergeant Philip M. Bertram 
Corporals Gustaf A. Mattson 
Andrew E. Mickley 
Privates Walter J. Plizga 
Vernon J. Vail 

Company "B" 
Pvts. 1st cl David E Dornblaser 

Clyde AV. Spidell 
Private John Ross 

Company "C" 
Privates Charles L. Deitch 
Charles D. Hauck 
John C. Stumpf 

Company "D" 
Privates John F. Lammers 
Morris Solatsky 
John Zembko 



Company "E" 
Pvt. 1st cl George H. Mock 
Private Isidor Kunof sky 

Company "H" 
Corporal Robert V. Nally 
Privates Paul Q. Quinn 
James T. Scully 

Company "I" ^ 
Privates Pietro R. D'Amico 

Raymond M. Dunlap 
Henry W. Hutchinson 
Philip Weber 

Company "K" 
Privates Louis Radlof 

Harvey R. Spielman 
Emmett Turner 
Walter Weyersberg 



AFTER THE ARMISTICE 



327 



Company "L" xi j * r^ 

Private Edward H. Kasal „ . Headquarters Company 

rnvate I^rancis boyer 

Company "M" 
Private William P. Swartz 



311th Machine Gun Battalion 



Company "A" 
Private Jobn C. Yingling 



Company "C" 
Pvts. 1st cl Earl Trimbley 

John A. Younkin 
Private Louis P. Kahmer 



The final classification, the men who died of wounds after the Armistice, 
is as follows: 



Company "A" 

Mess Sgt. Joseph F. Tully 

Corporal Louis H. Koehler 

Privates Harry J. Gillespie 

Harold L. Slocum 

Company "D" 
Private Henry C. Rohlfing 



Company "B" 
Private Myron S. Fox 

Company "G" 
Private John Dowling 

Company "H" 
Privates Peter J. Leonard 



Company "A" 
Private Elmer Ogden 

Company "B" 
1st Sgt Philip G. Melick 
Private Janies A. Sword 

Company "C" 
Privates Bernard A. Boyle 

Emmet L. Leventry 
Domenico Scialli 

Company "D" 
Private George Duckett 



313th Infantry 

Company "F" 
Private William L. Reilly 

Company ''I" 
Private Harvey C. Sniffen 

Company "M" 
Private Antonio Panciocco 

314th Infantry 

Private Howard S. Schappell 

Company "I" 
Private Clyde J. Marks 

Company "M" 
Private Harry C. Bechtel 

315th Infantry 

Company "E" 
Pvt. 1st cl James M. Gibson 
Private John J Coen 

Company "F" 
Private Paul G. Schneider 

Company "K" 
Private Maurice F. Ging 

Company "M" 
Private Arthur L. Rees 

Headquarters Company 
Corporal Ernest Z. Stead 



HISTORY OF THE SEVEXTV-XIXTH DIVISION 

316th IXFANTItY 

Company "B" Company "I" 

Cori)oral.s Howard ]\I. Miller Private Morris Thai 

Crawford C. Strine 
Private John S. Koicsar Company "K" 

Privates Harry T. Jones 
Company "C" Benny AViiliams 

Cori)oral Reuben W. Clouse 

Company "L" 
Company "D" Private Marvin E. Peterson 

Privates Peter McDermott 

John Shields Company "M" 

Privates Edward Cross 
Company "G" Bernard Menke, Jr. 

Private Leo P. Nauman Loy C. Myers 

Michael J. Sullivan 
Company "H" 
Private Henry D. Lindley Sanitarj- Detachment 

Private Vincent J. Devlin 

311th Machine Gun Battalion 

Company "B" 
Private Daniel Wosilesky 

312th Machine Gun Battalion 

Company "A" Company "D" 

Pvt. 1st cl Franklin E. Trauger Pvt. 1st cl John J. Velkine 

Private Henry H. Boswell 

SO-Ith Engineers 
Company "E" 
Private Archie L. Tanner 

304th Sanitar? Train 

Ambulance Company 314 
Private John Martocci, Jr. 

Dawn of November 12 found the Germans more quiet, their pyrotechnic dis- 
plays at an end and silence on the front. On the front of the First Battalion, 314th 
Infantry, about 100 of the enemy were reported in small groups on the crest of 
the Cote de Roniagne, but none were on the western slope and none to the right, 
where the 313th held the line.^ Around noon, however, occurred a rather pe- 
culiar incident. Twenty-five Boche approached the line of the 314th in the vicin- 
ity of Cote 319 and, when not molested, were followed by about 250 more. The 
major commanding that sector was present and permitted no fraternizing. He 
examined the Germans and found that they had no officers and wanted to know 
if the war was really at an end. Their officers had left them two days before, 
they explained, and their non-commissioned officers the preceding day. The 
Boche were formed into columns of fours and sent about face for Germany.^ Sub- 
sequently that day Division G-3 notified the two brigades that "German soldiers 
who present themselves before our lines must come without arms or equipment 
and then must be treated as deserters."^ 



AFTER THE ARMISTICE 



329 




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330 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

One of the first tasks undertaken on the now quiet front was the burial of the 
dead. Large details were sent out under chaplains to conduct this work. It 
was grim business, as a great number of bodies were lying about in the sector — 
Germans, French Colonials, and Americans of the Twenty-ninth, Thirty-third, 
Twenty-sixth and Seventy-ninth Divisions. The fighting in the area during the 
preceding month had been so severe that there had been little opportunity to 
care properly for those who had fallen. They were now gathered tenderly and 
concentrated, so far as possible, in four cemeteries, one on la Borne de Cornouiller, 
one at the head of the Etraye ravine, and two near Molleville Ferme. 

On November 13, under verbal orders, the 158th Brigade extended its line to 
the northward, the sector of the Fifteenth French Division being taken over, 
with the 316th Infantry on the extreme left in liaison with the 32nd American 
Division, and the 315th Infantry on the right in liaison with the 314th Infantry.* 
A few days later the 313th Infantry was withdrawn entirely from the line, the 
entire 157th Brigade front being held by the 314th Infantry.' About the same 
time the 314th's line was extended even further southward, taking over the sector 
of the Twenty-sixth Division. The whole front was held by a thinly disposed 
outpost line, generally a single company extending over a distance of a kilometer, 
the other regimental units being assembled in camps, chiefly ex-Boche billets, in 
the occupied towns or nearby. 

German parliamentaries presented themselves at the 157th Brigade Head- 
quarters on November 14 to place in the hands of the Division maps and informa- 
tion regarding the location of mines or other means of destruction laid by the 
enemy before the Armistice. This information was given to the American units 
under Article 8 of the stipulations laid down for the Armistice.* The important 
and delicate work of destroying these mines and traps was assigned to details 
from the various companies of the 304th Engineers and carried on by them for a 
long period, until it finally was given over to Boche prisoners.^ A Division cita- 
tion in Paragraph 17, General Order No. 29, 1919, to First Lieutenants Archibald 
J. Fulton, Jr., Company "F", and Roy N. McBride, Company "E", 304th En- 
gineers, for their work with these instruments of destruction states that they 
"supervised and removed hundreds of hellish devices. The amount of explosives 
removed from enemy traps and mines in the Ornes and Viele-en-Woevre areas 
by details from this regiment was approximately 100 tons." 

Meanwhile, by November 15, the enemy had begun to evacuate the Cotes 
in front of the Division. An example of this movement is given in the following 
field message sent by Colonel Oury, of the 314th Infantry, on November 15 at 
14h 50 to Colonel Ross, the Division Chief of Staff:* 

"Have just received a message to the effect that a German of- 
ficer brought a message this morning into our lines and gave it to 
Lieut. Graham, Company A. The message has been opened at 
Regimental Hq. and translated. It reads as follows: 

"I have orders to communicate to an American officer the 
following dispatch: The 1st German Landwehr Division is leav- 
ing the town of Longuyon the 16th of Nov. at 12 o'clock. Will 
leave a German officer in the town to hand over German material, 
guns, artillery and machine guns to an American ofiicer whom the 



AFTER THE ARMISTICE 



331 



1st Landwehr Division asks the American Commander to send 
there. The 1st Landwehr Division requests an answer. Signed 
Bataen Obereg. Lieut." 

Under G-3 Order No. 13, of November 17,' patrols were sent out over the 
area, while the rest of the troops set about scraping the mud and dirt from their 
clothing and equipment and making themselves as comfortable as possible in the 
newly captured German camps. Every day between 6h and 19h two patrols, one 
from each of the Brigades, consisting of a platoon of infantrymen under command 
of an officer, were sent forth to roam what had so lately been enemy territory, 
but was now distinctly a conquered area. The purpose of these patrols was to 




30-Ith Engineers kemoving tank barrier east of Dammllibrs. 

prevent disorder, pillage and destruction, to pick up soldiers whose presence there 
was unauthorized, to direct civilians and returning prisoners of war to the proper 
receiving stations, and to keep a sharp lookout for the presence of German sol- 
diers.' In the case of released prisoners, arrangements were made whereby large 
detachments, numbering 150 men or more, were not alloM^ed to enter the lines, 
but were held at the outposts until Division Headquarters could be notified and 
proper procedure taken for their admission. Smaller groups, however, were con- 
ducted at once to Division P. C 

Work was started almost immediately upon cleaning up the battlefields and 
salvaging material.'" This was a tremendous task. Roads were repaired and in 
some places practically built anew, while all the wreckage of former struggles 



332 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



was collected and repaired for further use — if necessary. Stray ammunition 
which lay about was piled high. The "duds" and useless shel's were exploded. 
Companies or battalions, the salvaging areas of which were far from their billets, 
bivouaced close by the scenes of their daily work. Each day companies and 
battalions marched out from their billets and policed fields, woods and camps. 
Dumps were located along the roads and at certain places throughout the country, 
where detachments remained to guard them. Arms and equipment which were 
worth salvaging were cleaned and treated with oil and grease. Division Head- 
quarters at Vachereauville and the collection area at Bras became vast parks for 
captured artillery, long lines of German guns being arrayed on either side of the 
roads. 




>-, 



S-DJfof 



Sunken road in which scuie sin khi: fkiiitixi: took PL.iCE. 



The patrol system was changed from time to time. On November 19 two 
motorized patrols were added from the 310th Machine Gun Battalion to sweep 
the road system twice a day, and " still later the patrols were confined to truck 
parties from both brigades.'^ On November 21, the patrols north of Bezonvaux 
were discontinued, this being Third Army area," and fewer posts were maintained 
for examining returned prisoners. These were manned by the 313th Infantry 
along the Meuse River bridges south of Belleville and at the road forks southeast 
of Verdun, and by the 79th Division Military Police Company at the Meuse bridges 
north of Belleville as far as Si\Ty-sur-Meuse, and at the Division Collecting Sta- 
tion at Bras." To carry out the new scheme, the whole 313th Infantry was with- 
drawn from the original area and established on November 20 in and around Ver- 



AFTER THE ARIMISTICE 333 

dun, acting chiefly in control of traffic, and extending the Division sector as far 
south as Fresnes-en-Woevre, the former northern limit of the Troyon Sector.^'' 

The men of the units remaining in the old front line sector found it a novel 
experience to be able to roam at will over the wide battlefield o\'er whicli the Divi- 
sion, a short time before, was arduously fighting its way. Nowhere was there a 
sign of any living Boche — but everywhere indications of the indefinite stay he 
had expected to make in this land. Cots, stoves, lumber and fuel in vast quanti- 
ties were scattered throughout the Bois de Damvillers and all the woods and towns 
throughout the area. Salvaging and souvenir hunting, however, soon lost its 
glamour. The sight of the liberated prisoners trudging wearily back from long 
captivities was also losing its thrill. Some eight thousand of all nationalities had 
passed tlu-ough the lines and been sent on to Verdun, these figures including re- 
patriated citizens who had been carried into Germany by the enemy, months and 
even years before. 

Gradually the former citizens of the area began to return from central and 
southern France. Old men and women, burdened with huge packs, with children 
following at their heels, came wandering back into the shell-torn area, looking for 
the homes that could not be recognized in the ruins. They foimd warm symjiathy 
and frequent assistance awaiting them, and many a man of the Se\"enty-ninth can 
tell interesting and touching narratives of these wanderers who returned to scenes 
of desolation and pluckily began again to carve their homes from the cratered hills. 

On November 21, Brigadier General William J. Nicholson was detached from 
the 157th Infantry Brigade and returned to the United States, being succeeded 
the same day by Brigadier General John S. Winn.'^ Several other changes in 
command had occurred also in the period after the Armistice, and a great number 
of officers, wounded in the previous fighting, had been returned to their commands. 
Colonel Sweezey rejoined the 313th Infantry on November 17, Colonel Rogers 
being transferred to the Division Trains." Colonel Garrison McCaskey had, 
meanwhile, been assigned to command the 316th Infantry on November I'J.'^ 

The first leaves of absence were granted to men of the Division on November 
24, and some 1,200 left for Aix-les-Bains, where many men, for the first time since 
their arrival in France, lived in decent comfort. From this time on leaves were 
granted generously, so that practically every man who desired was enabled to see 
the really beautiful parts of France in the leave areas in the southern part of the 
Republic and along the Riviera. Later, three day leaves to Paris were granted, 
and, in a few instances, men were able to go to England and Italy. 

Thanksgiving Day slipped in almost before the men were aware of it, and was 
generally observed all through the sector. While the celebration consisted chiefly 
of a departure from the usual army menu, the 315th Infantry, in Damvillers, 
utilized the occasion to stage an elaborate fete, of which the historian of the regi- 
ment says:'' 

"The Second Battalion and Headquarters Company fur- 
nished a Victory Parade so screamingly funny, so cleverly exe- 
cuted that it kept the spectators laughing constantly as the men 
passed by. . . This unique celebration of Philadelphia's own 
regiment brought to light in a gratifying and surprising way the 



334 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




AFTER THE ARAHSTICE 335 

"untapped levels" of humor in soldiers, which neither the grim 
experiences of the battlefields nor separation from home and 
loved ones is able to extinguish or even permanently suppress. 
Horses, wagons and water carts decorated with large German 
beer signs, Boche machine gun carts, wheel barrows and all avail- 
able forms of transportation were put into use and the Victory 
Parade passed around the old monument between columns of 
laughing and cheering doughboys." 

After Thanksgiving Day the time sped along in an unending procession of 
close order drills and rumors. These latter were innumerable and had varied 
degrees of plausibility. Generally they took one of two extremes — the Division 
was going to Germany or it was going home. The belief in a prompt return to 
the United States gained credence until about mid-December, when reports became 
persistent that the Seventy-ninth was to be attached to the Army of Occupation 
and was to move forward to occupy the rear echelon of this latter, the Third 
American Army.^^ The rumor probably arose following the despatch of the Third 
Battalion, Headquarters Company, and Regimental Headquarters of the 314th 
Infantrj', under Colonel Oury, to Montmedy, France, on December 10. This 
detail was sent northward to assume control of the surrounding area of Stenay 
and Virton, the latter town ip Belgium, for the purpose of guarding property, 
listing material and maintaining order. Posts were established in various towns 
and motorized patrols daily covered a wide territory. Hundreds of cannon were 
found in this area, in all stages of repair. They had been left by the enemy in 
his hasty retirement and all had to be salvaged. The guns were hauled to the 
railheads by tractor, and men from the 814th supervised the operation and formed 
the guards over them until loaded on trains. 

A few days after the battalion from the 314tli moved northward, a tentative 
order was received by the 315th Infantry to move in the same direction, l)ut it 
was counter manded almost as soon as issued.'^ The report spread like wildfire 
find the whole Division was ready to pick up stakes and start after the Third 
Army. As the area then controlled by the Division was too long for comfort, a 
possibility of new scenes and surroimdings was hailed with delight. Alas for an- 
ticipation.' The rumor went like all those others which had gone before — into 
thin air. 

The first after-the-x\rmistice Division terrain exercises were held on Decem- 
ber 16. These tei-rain exercises and maneuvers, which were held by battalions, 
regiments, brigades and Division, continued to form a large part of the training 
schedule for several months. Necessary and instructive as they doubtless were, 
they naturally did not constitute the most popular part of army life. With the 
war over, it was difliciilt to battle Mdth an imaginary foe with any great amount 
of zeal or interest, especially with the thermometer registering around zero and the 
cold rain or snow deepening the sea of mud through which the men bad to wallow. 
Every day units hiked out to wet fields — worse than marshes — and devoted hours 
to close order and bayonet drills., physical exercises and all the other branches of 
military training. 

Then came Christmas — the Christinas overseas — one that will live 
long in the memories of the members of the Division. Amid scenes of 



336 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




Captuked German Artillery at \'ac'Herauville. 




Large German Howitzers in Fobegboitnd, Captured by 79th DmsioN in the Bois de Grande 

MONTAGNE. 



AFTER THE ARMISTICE 337 

desolation and destruction and on the ground associated with so many poignant 
recollections of recent fighting, coupled with thoughts of other Christmas days 
spent far away with loved ones, it was a day of conflicting emotions. To brighten 
the spirits of all, entertainments were arranged by the different units and devo- 
tional services held for each battalion. Company funds provided generous sup- 
plies of nuts, oranges, chicken and other delicacies. For this day the candle al- 
lowance, which had so far been very meagre, was increased one hundred per cent, 
but even this was not sufficient to cast much brilliance over the Yuletide festi\ i- 
ties. German powder sticks were found to be better than tallow candles for il- 
lumination, and were used with good effect. 

In all units the men united to give to the little homeless refugees, pouring 
into the sector after four years of wandering, as much Christmas as it was possible 
to arrange in such short order and with so limited a source of supply. At Dugny 
in particular, where many of the refugees had arrived, a special event was made 
of the occasion by the rear echelon of Division Headquarters. Every child re- 
ceived some kind of present and candies were lavishly distributed to the tots 
whose eager, happy faces were recompense enough to many a homesick lad. 
Christmas services and entertainment, Christmas parties and Christmas din- 
ners — these were the events of that snowy day in the region around Verdiui. 
The celebration was capped by a neatly printed folder from the Division Com- 
mander to each of his men, e.Ktending the spirit of the season. This folder read:"" 

"To the Officers and Men of the 79tli Division. 

This, the second Christmas in the life of the 79th Division 
finds you far from home and friends in a foreign land. Your 
thoughts are with those near and dear to you across the water as 
their thoughts are with you. This Christmas setting is indeed a 
strange and unusual one for many of you who for the first time in 
your lives are not celebrating the holiday season with your famil- 
ies. 

Your presence here is in a just and righteous cause and the 
sacrifices you have made and are still making are for the benefit 
of all civilization and future generations. The Dawn of Peace 
has come and with it the time of your return to your country and 
home draws near. 

In wishing you one and all a Merry Christmas and a Happy 
New Year, your Division Conunander desires to express his ap- 
preciation for your gallant conduct in battle and for your faith- 
ful services both at home and abroad. 

Your conduct has been excellent, even under trying condi- 
tions and your Division Commander trusts that one and all will 
strive to maintain the high reputation justlj' earned by the 79th 
Division." 

The Division P. C. had moved back from near Molleville Farm to Vachereau- 
ville on November 15, and here it remained until after Christmas." Here also, 
on December 24, had been issued G-3 Order No. 29, which announced that, begin- 
ning the day after Christmas, the Division was to move at last, the direction not 
being toward Germany but southward to the Souilly area, already partly kno^^•n 
to the Division during the early days of the occupancy of the Troyon sector. 



338 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



1 




W^^!? ' 



*:&k..».^u^^.£^^^ 



DRAW^NG German Howitzer prom Its Former Position to Vachehauville. 




Region near Dodaumont — This Most Famous Area Came Under 79th Division Command fob 

Patrolling. 




Fremh Trench Systems Aruuxd Fort Douattmont. 



AFTER THE ARMISTICE 339 

The news had not been kept a secret. The period of secret orders was at an 
end. The men knew all through Cliristmas Day that there was to be some sturdy 
hiking scheduled for December 26 and thereafter, but it did not interfere in any 
way with the holiday festivities. 

Late Christmas night the gathering of equipment and preparations to evacu- 
ate the area were completed, and, on the morning of December 26, the movement 
began. Only the battalion of the 314th Infantry up around Stenay remained 
unaffected by the order. All the rest of the Division was off for a sixty kilometer 
hike southward, over roads snow-covered and cold, but with the prospect of some- 
thing better ahead than reconverted Boche huts and the winter winds on the 
Meuse hills. 

It was farewell to Death Valley, to the snow-capped bald top of la Borne de 
Cornouiller, to the marshy plains of the Woevre and the Cotes of unpleasant 
memories. The Seventy-ninth was going out of the line, staging homeward, the 
men hoped, as the long columns began to wind away from the sacred region of 
Verdun, the region where their deeds were blended for all time with those of the 
poilus M'ho had held the ground in the years gone by. For the last time the Divi- 
sion looked at the graves of its dead; for the last time it saw the long bands of 
barbed wire cutting across the country, the shell holes, the hastily dug fox holes; 
for the last time it viewed the wreck of a land after four years of war. Then for- 
ward on the road to Souilly — for the road to Souilly meant the road to home ! 



CHAPTER X 
THE ARTILLERY BRIGADE 

"They also serve, ■who only wait." 

THLTS it was with the 154th Field Artillery Brigade, which, because of that 
brief order sent out by Marshal Foch on the morning of November 11, was. 
denied reaching the goal for which it had striven- — the front. 

To the men of the 310th, 311th and 312th Field Artillery Regiments there 
never came those supreme moments of living experienced by the men who had 
"gotten up." It was not given to them to know the joy of relief, of life all but 
snuffed out and then regained, nor the black despair of fatigue, hardships, dangers, 
and all the horrors of war. For them there was no ultimate reward for the long, 
trying months of training. Their army life culminated in a grand anti-climax. 

Many a man of the Division, after two months in the inferno of the battle- 
front, might say that the artillerymen were "lucky" for their misfortune. It is, 
all in the point of view. Unless a man got to the front he felt he had been cheated; 
after he had been there for two days he felt he was being imposed upon. The 
154tb Field Artillery Brigade knows, to a man, that it was deprived of that for which, 
it trained and nothing can assuage the bitterness of the thought. Mere words can 
afford slight recompense, but it is a bit of satisfaction to know that the rest of the 
Division regrets with the artillerymen the circumstances which robbed the can- 
noneers of the slightest opportunity. 

Since the artillery had been detached from the Division from the time of its 
sailing from America until the second week in January, 1919, it is fitting to 
devote this chapter exclusively to the artillerymen in order to bring their experi- 
ences up to the point where their history again forms a part of that of the Division. 

Back in August, 1918, the story of the artillery brigade was suspended with 
its arrival in France.' To recapitulate, the 311th Field Artillery, Colonel 
Charles G. Mortimer commanding, landed at Cherbourg, France, on August 4;^ 
the 304th Ammunition Train, Lieutenant Colonel H. J. McKenney commanding, 
at Le Havre, France, on August 5;^ the 312th Field Artillery, Colonel Harry P. 
Wilbur commanding, at Le Havre on August 6;^ and the 310th Field Artillery, 
Colonel Howard L. Landers commanding, at Cherbourg on August 8.^ 

In each instance, immediately after debarkation the units were marched to 
British-American rest camps a short distance from the two cities. The 311th 
Artillery, being the first of the brigade in France, was also the first to start inland. 
The regiment departed in the famous French box cars on August 5 and rolled 
slowly along for two days and two nights, arriving on August 7 at Montmorrillon,. 
in the Department of Vienne.'' 

340 




Col. C. G. Moetimeh 
311th F. a. Reg't. 



342 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

The Ammunition Train, before taking to the box cars for the inland journey, 
had a thrilling experience on the night of August 6 while marching from the rest 
camp to the trains. Mysterious lights were spotted in one of the outlying houses 
of Le Havre and two details of the outfit, with French gendarmes, raided the 
place, confiscated a complete wireless set and arrested the occupants. Leaving 
the prisoners, all Belgians, in the hands of the gendarmes, the details rejoined the 
Train at the station.' Here Companies "A" and "B" Mere detached and ordered 
to report to Division Headquarters at Prauthoy, Company "G" being sent to 
the same destination a little later." The history of the above mentioned units 
was merged with that of the Division from then on. The remaining four com- 
panies took a thirty -six hour ride, detraining at Montmorrillon on August 8.^ 

On August? the 312th Artillery, after a brief stay in the rest camp, also left 
Le Havre and, after two days of travel, reached Lathus, also in the Department 
of Vienne.'" The final regiment, the 310th Artillery, departed from Cherbourg 
on August 9 and reached Montmorrillon on August 11.^ 

Montmorrillon and Lathus remained the training ground for the brigade 
for about four weeks. Advance detachments were sent forward to the artillery 
post at La Courtine. The entire period was one of expectation; the regiments 
spent most of their time expecting ec{uipment or orders to move. It was a case of ar- 
tillery brigade without artillery. 

The 312th, at Lathus, M^as training to handle the "heavies" of the Division. 
The regiment encamped in pup tents and for the first several weeks, to give the 
men a chance to rest up and become acclimated, the schedule of instructions 
called for morning drills only. It was understood at first that the regiment would 
be horsedrawn, but shortly after reaching Lathus it was announced that it would 
be motorized and two English trucks were received in confirmation. The 312th 
Field Artillery, the regimental historian avers, was the first 155mm howitzer 
regiment ordered motorized in the American Expeditionary Force. ^'' 

The balance of the Brigade at Montmorrillon was far more fortunate in its 
billets. "The prettiest place, the cleanest and the most comfortable of any this 
regiment has had the fortune to be in" was the unanimous verdict of the 311th 
Field Artillery,' and the 310th Artillery and the Ammunition Train were 
as eulogistic. For the two light artillery regiments the schedule included close 
order drill, the technicalities of artillery in modern warfare, the peculiarities 
of the French 75"s they were to receive later, the construction of gun emplacements, 
and, when a few horses were received, a little equitation.^ In the Ammunition 
Train, the curriculum was devoted chiefly to intensive military training for the 
benefit of the men who had been assigned to the outfit just before sailing from the 
States.' 

Between September 1 and 3 all four of the outfits left their respective camps, 
boarded trains and set off for new fields, this time the artillery training area at 
La Courtine. There M^ere no guns at the new camp, although the artillerymen 
had rather expected to find their weapons awaiting them. For ten days the men 
attended daily classes in the theory of gunnery and firing, studied an intensive 
course in the mysteries of French "orientation" by the plane table, the goniometer 
or any declinated instrument, and became exceedingly proficient in a subject 



THE ARTILLERY BRIGADE 343 

which was none too easy when attempted without the guns. Finally the longed 
for "lights" and "heavies" were issued — French 75's for the 310th and 311th 
and 155mm. Schneider howitzers for the 312th — and the artillerymen buckled down 
to a long, hard period of intensive training. Particularly hard was the task of 
the 312th as that regiment secured only four of its "heavies" at that time, the re- 
maining twenty not being received until November 6.'° 

The artillery training area was admirably situated, as it had long been a 
French artillery camp, range and school. It was set well apart in the hills from 
the village of La Courtine and furnished an excellent range, broad and deep with 
varied terrain and an abundance of battery positions, targets and observation 
posts. Its value for tactical puroses was amply demonstrated in the days which 
followed. 

In La Courtine the men of the regiments were billeted in stone barracks, 
which, however, were in a very dilapidated condition. The windows, in particu- 
lar, were chiefly broken panes, the effect having been secured long months before 
when Russian prisoners, malcontents after the Red Revolution, had stoned them. 
Living conditions were none too good and the residt was an outbreak of Spanish 
influenza which first developed, late in September, among the men of the Anununi- 
tion Train." From the Ammunition Train it spread to the three artillery regi- 
ments, and for a period of several weeks all of the units were nearly skeletonized 
through sickness. Although the 312th Regiment had the enviable record of not 
suffering the loss of a man, in fact not losing a single man through death by sick- 
ness during its entire stay in France, the 310th lost thirty-nine men in one month 
from the influenza epidemic, while twenty-four men all told in the 311th succiunbed 
to the bronchial malady. The health record of the 312tli is a remarkable one and 
probably the only one of its kind in the American Expeditionary Force. The 
credit for it is due largely to Major Edgar S. Linthicum, the regimental medical 
ofiicer. The ravages of the disease were finally stemmed by moving the entire 
brigade from the stone barracks into shelter-tent camps on the artillery range. 
This was a drastic measure as it was chilly weather with abundant and heavy 
rainfall. The fresh air, however, proved the needed tonic and justified the method. 

During off hours, the town of La Courtine, with its one street and twenty- 
five cafes, was the only place to visit for amusement or diversion. It was divided 
into two parts, that which lay about the railroad station, and that which was on 
the hill, the latter division being called "High Town." Both sections of the 
town were replete with estaminets and cafes, bars and restaurants, and many of 
them formed the Brigade's downtown clubrooms.^^ Coveted week-end leaves 
were granted, enabling officers and men to visit some of the neighboring towns, 
one of the most popular being Labourboule, a pretty little resort which offered 
much in entertainment that La Courtine could not. 

Diversion, however, was but an incident of life in the training area, and a minor 
incident at that. The gun crews of the regiments, under the training of French 
instructors and American graduates of the Saumur School, learned their functions 
with surprising ease. During September firing commenced Mith direct obser- 
vation and the targets in sight of the gun ners. Shortly afterwards the fire was 
indirect, and the instruction rapidly proceeded through the various methods of 



344 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



adjustment andobservation until it culminated in rapidly calculated barrages 
and, finally, the graduation problem. In each battery, three complete sets 
of cannoneers were developed.'^ 

Nor was it all range work. Equipment came in from time to time but never 
were thei-e sufficient horses. Consequently, the changing of camp positions — 
and thej' changed them as often as twice a week — made it necessary to move 
material by hand. As camp sites were chosen for concealment and immunity 
from gas concentration, gun positions were organized and rigid camouflage dis- 
cipline enforced, the artillerymen were given more than their share of hardening 




Ki;i.i-\iKM'AL Staff (Jffhkim, SIItii Field Autilleky, at Bexoite Vacx, Makcii 14, IIUIJ. 
(From left to right, front row) Captain John W. Converse, Lieutenant Colonel T. C. Gottschalk, 
Colonel Charles G. Mortimer, Captain Augustus C. Downing, .Jr. Standing, Lieutenant Hugh L. 
Clarke, Chaplain Mark E. Stodk, Major Clement B. Wood, Major Jugh L. Gaddis, and Lieutenant 
Chester J. Nichlas. 

exercises. For instance when the gun positions ■were organized, the men 
would be required to establish the necessary communicating trenches and the 
various form s of emplacements and do all the work under cover as soon as the 
camouflage material could be erected. After a few days of that the hardiest 
would be played out. Then, just about the time the battery was well placed and 
ready to blow mythical enemies to pieces along would come orders to change 
camp positions. The t-n^o regiments of light artillery could seldom muster more 



THE ARTILLERY BRIGADE 345 

than thirty horses apiece. The caissons, limbers, machine guns and chariots 
de pare had therefore, to be manhandled by road and across country before 
the new positions could be occupied. 

Speaking of the daily grind, the historian of the 311th Artillery states:*' 

"With plenty of ammunition and a variety of targets and con- 
ditions we set to work with a will, and fired every morning and 
afternoon until we were considered capable enough to do a little 
night firing. All this time the specialists were perfecting them- 
selves along their own lines, keeping pace with, or in advance of, 
the batteries, so that when the time should come the regiment 
could enter the field as a well-balanced unit, complete in every 
part. And the time did come, bringing our fondest expectations 
into life, for our test problem was executed with a smoothness 
and teamwork M'hich justly won the whole-hearted praise of the 
inspector." 

This test problem — the graduation problem as it is also called — took place on 
October 17 and was participated m by the entire brigade. It went off with clock- 
like precision and excellent results. At its conclusion an Inspector General pro- 
nounced the Brigade ready for the front, thus placing it on the priority list.*' 

But alas for expectations! The four companies of the 304th Ammunition 
Train got away for the front on November 1, but the three artillery regiments 
waited. The regiments of "lights" were practically horseless; the ' heavies" had 
hut four guns. That was all right; the men thought once they reached the back 
areas the balance of the equipment would arrive. Then some of the officers 
were ordered forwardfor observation. The men were thrilled. That looked 
more than promising. But still no orders! The twenty 155's needed to round 
out the 312th's complement, arrived on November 6 amid great excitement. 
Indications enough that the brigade was going forward! Farewell dinners and 
preparations! Special trains for them were already on the way to La Courtine, 
the rumor ran. 

Then came rumors of an armistice. Bosh! Out of the question! The 
fighting wasn't going to stop until the "little old 154th Brigade took a hand!" 
Then armistice rumor persisted; gained strength; wouldn't be downed. Surely 
the war wasn't likely to end without a chance for them? 

Then, end it did, to the everlasting regret of every man in the artillery bri- 
gade. To be sure the regiments celebrated on November 11. The whole artillery 
encampment was given over to impromptu parades, but the heart had been taken 
out of the artillerymen. The Armistice celebration was only a means to hide 
their grief. If they were hilarious it was to stifle the hurt inside. Robbed of the 
great chance, and on the very eve almost of its fulfillment. 

As the historian of the 310th Artillery remarked i*^ 

"While no man deplored the end of the world madness, never- 
theless the disappointments remained that, after these last weeks 
of hopeful waiting, the 310th had only "shot up the chocolate 
line." 

And, to quote the historian of the 311th Artillery:'^ 



346 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

"We were recruits, denied the one great wish of us all — to get 
under fire and speed a few of the departing Boche on their Hell- 
bent way." 

Ironically enough, the transportation for the Brigade began to arrive immedi- 
ately after the Armistice. The 310th got under way nortliward on November 13'^ 
and the 311th on the following day.'^ The 312th, last to leaAe, bade farewell to 
La Courtine on November 14.*' The destination of the Brigade was the Ninth 
Training Area and the regiments stopped in the towns about La Tracey.*^ On 
November 24 to 27, the Brigade moved again, this time to the Fourth Training 
Area in the vicinity of Chaumont, the General Headquarters of the American Ex- 
peditionary Force. Here again the three regiments were billeted in small villages 
and hamlets, the 310th at Roches-sur-Regnon and Bettaincourt,*^ the 311th in 
six hamlets near Chaumont-Andelot,** and the 312th at Bologne, Vieville, Roc- 
court and Breaucourt.i^ During part of this time Brigadier General Hero was 
temporarily detached from the Brigade, being replaced by Brigadier General 
Mclntyre.i* 

During the late fall and early winter frequent convoys of horses were taken 
up to the Army of Occupation on the Rhine. These details were sought after 
keenly by men and officers as everyone was anxious to see something of Germany. 
On the convoys one man would ride and lead three horses. Billets were made at 
night in convenient towns and the horses usually tied to picket lines. The trips 
consumed from six to sixteen days and some of the convoys covered distances as 
great as 350 miles. Of course, it was necessary to pass through the devastated 
areas to get into Germany, and this part of France, familiar as it was, too familiar, 
in fact, to the other units of the Seventy-ninth Division, was more than interest- 
ing to the artillerymen who had never seen it before. Hardships meant nothing 
to the lucky chaps on a convoy detail. Many of the trips were made in rough 
winter weather, in rain and snow and proved no easy task, but there were al- 
ways more volunteers than were needed. 

While the lucky ones were indulging in con^"oying, horses the balance of the 
light artillerymen in the Fourth Training Area M'ere learning a lot of things about 
he animals which began to arrive. About this time all the remaining equipment 
poured into the brigade when it wasn't needed and only meant extra work. Re- 
garding the horses, the historian of the 310th states that many of the first lot were 
either mangy or gas convalescents and had to be isolated. Later American ani- 
mals of the finest type were received. Both regiments found the problem intensi- 
fied by the facts that the horse billets in the towns were unfit, the American stables 
inadequate and in bad repair, and all of them built for temporary transshipment 
purposes only. 

Mounted instruction caused more trouble. The peasants were cultivating the 
the fields, and, although it was winter, objected to horse drawn 75 's dashing 
over their property. Drills were perforce held on the roads and one has only to 
visualize a battery and its accoutrement and then picture a French road in a re- 
mote training area to realize the artillerymen's problem. 

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day were celebrated in the area 
around Chaumont, each day seeing radical departures from the usual regimental 



THE ARTILLERY BRIGADE 



347 



mess and considerable jollification. In the first week in Jannary came word that 
the Brigade was to join the balance of the Seventy-ninth Division. Finally, on 
January 9 and 10, the regiments moved. 

The 311th Artillery first marched from the Fourth Training Area, arriving at 
Benoit-Vaux, in the Souilly Area, to find that the veteran fighting units of the 
Division were already encamped around about them.-' Both the 310th and 
312th Regiments marched from the Chaumont area on January 10, the former 
reaching the new area on January 13 and going into permanent camps at Villotte- 
devant-St. Mihiel, Village-Blanc, Levoncourt, Lavalee, Gimmecourt and Baiidre- 
mont.^ The 312th, with its motorized equipment, made much better time, and 
was settled l^y January 11 at Villotte-devant-St. Mihiel. Rupt-devant-St. Mihiel 
and Nicey." 






I 



/jrc 7 9 7 

^- % 

The Head of the Column 
311th Field Artillery on the move from Benoite Vaux to Lerouville, March \i, 1 919. 

At this point, the story of the 154th Field Artillery Brigade again becomes 
ncorporated in the general history of the entire Seventy-ninth Division. 



CHAPTER XI 
THE SOUILLY AND RIMAUCOURT AREAS 

THE Souilly Area, toward which the columns of the Seventy-ninth Division 
turned on the morning of December 26, 1918, lay due south of Verdun, about 
raid-way between and Bar-le-Duc.^ All of the infantry regiments made 
the journey, through rain, sleet and snow,in two days, and the motorized equip- 
ment, starting a day later, covered the distance in a single day. Division Head- 
quarters was set up in an old French evacuation hospital about one kilometer 
west of Souilly on December 28, the advance echelon moving in from Vachereau- 
^'ille and the rear echelon from Dugny.^ 

A large part of the Souilly Area was already familiar to certain elements of 
the Division, particularly those units which, during October, had lain in reserve 
behind the troops in the Troyon sector. Camp les Monthairons. Recourt, Tilly- 
sur-Meuse and many other towns in the neighborhood had been occupied flefore. 
The billets in the new area, while a great improvement over captured Boche 
shelters and dugouts, were far from luxurious. The proximity of the Souilly 
Area towns to the battlefront for four years had driven most of the inhabitants 
away and those remaining were living most frugally. The barns, sheds and lofts 
were put in condition rapidly and the men soon had their quarters in excellent 
shape. The strictest sanitary rules M-ere laid down by G-1 order almost 
as soon as the men moved in.^ A few cases of typhoid fever had been discovered 
«mong the units in late December, and, when the disease seemed to be spreading 
somewhat, the first General Order of the Division for 1919, dealt specifically with 
the sanitary means to be taken to prevent an epidemic.^ 

Meanwhile, with the arrival in the Souilly Area began the schooling period. 
In the first week in January a number of officers and non-commissioned men were 
sent to the Third Corps School at Clamecy, and through the entire winter this 
school drew largely from the Seventy-ninth Division personnel.^ About the 
same time a Division Centre of Instruction was established at Camp les Mon- 
thairons under Lieutenant Colonel Stuart S. Janney, of the 313th Infantryj and 
later under Lieutenant Colonel Andrew W. Smith. Here classes weekly were 
taught the use of infantry arms and many fire problems were held. During the 
course of one of these combat problems on February 5, after Lieutenant Colonel 
Smith had taken charge, a very unfortunate accident occurred. At a demonstra- 
tion in firing the Stokes mortar, a shell exploded prematurely, killing ten and 
wounding thirty-one men.* The school was later converted into the Division 
Education Centre, rudimentary primary courses succeeding combat lessons. 
^'ocatlonal trades, such as carpentry, horseshoeing, and farming, were taught 
in addition to academic courses. 

(348) 



THE SOUILLY AND RIMAUCOURT AREAS 



34» 







Division IIeadquarteks 79th Division, December, 1J18 to Maucii, 191 
Evacuation Hospital No. C. 1-K.m. West of Souilly. 




Office op Division Surgeon and Adjutant. Evacuation Hospital No. 6, Souilly. 



350 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

In February, in accordance with orders from G. H.Q., opportunity was given 
certain men and officers to attend French and British universities. In addition, 
the leaves continued with greater frequency, 1200 men in one single group leaving 
for southern France about every two weeks beginning the first week in January.' 
AVith men on furlough, others at Corps and Division schools and still others in 
European colleges, the regiments frequently were hard put to it to muster half 
their strength. 

On January 13, 1919, came the first announcement of the awards of Dis- 
tinguished Service Crosses, seventy-eight officers and men being listed that day, 
and two more several days later.* On January 19, another general order an- 
nounced several additional awards, and thereafter the heroism of rank and file 
during the fighting period was mentioned frequently. It was in this period that 
General Nicholson and Colonel Jervey and Colonel Oury were awarded the Dis- 
tinguished Service Medal, and General Kuhn and a number of others the Croix 
de Guerre. 

General Kuhn had relinquished command of the Division temporarily on 
January 19, taking over the command of the Ninth Corps, to which the Seventy- 
ninth Division was then attached. He was succeeded by Brigadier General 
Johnson, who was in command until February 2, when he, too, was temporarily de- 
tached. Brigadier General Winn was in command on February 2 and 3, Briga- 
dier General Hero from February 3 to 9, and then General Johnson again until 
March 1, when General Kuhn returned.' Another change in this period was 
in the oflBce of Chief of Staff, a position which had been filled temporarily by Lieu- 
tenant Colonel George A. Wildrick after Colonel Ross had been detached in mid- 
December. Just before the end of February, Colonel P. T. Hayne, Jr., arrived 
and assumed the post. Lieutenant Colonel Wildrick returning to his duties as G-3. 

From mid-January on, the Division was seldom without an inspector from 
Army, Corps or G. H. Q., and the result of these frequent visits was a flood of 
commendations for the various units. Witness, for instance, the praise given by 
General BuUard, of the Second Army, to the Second Battalion, 316th Infantry, on 
January 25 :'" 

"The condition of the town of Issoncourt in general, order and 
sanitation in billets, mess halls established in billeting space set 
aside for the purpose, improvised bathing facilities, features of 
entertainment, and the variety of athletic activities in progress 
at the time, denote a keen appreciation on the part of its com- 
mand of the welfare and comfort of the men as well as the main- 
tenance of interest on the part of the men in their work." 

The welfare organizations with the Division, particularly the Red Cross, 
Y. M. C. A., Knights of Columbus and Salvation Army, rendered valuable service 
at this time in furnishing cigarettes, candy and comforts either at nominal cost 
or free of charge. The Red Cross by its frequent distribution of the latest 
American and English magazines, furnished the men with reading material which 
otherwise could not have been obtained. The Knights of Columbus provided an 
abundance of athletic equipment. The "Y" had twenty-two stations in the 
Division with a personnel of forty-six men and women operating them. Business 



THE SOriLLY AND RIjNL\UCOURT AREAS 351 

done in March by the " Y" amounted to 500,000 francs, and, in addition to this, 
40,000 francs worth of goods were distributed free. Besides the greatly increased 
canteen service, the " Y" provided athletic supplies, musical instruments and mov- 
ing pictures for all units. 

The Red Cross had an enviable record, having distributed without charge, 
thousands of table delicacies and clothing comforts to the men of the Division. 
In the Red Cross no name stands out with kinder thoughts than that of William 
H. Brickel. There was also the Red Cross Home Service, conducted by Captain 
Theodore Draper Gottleib, which kept the men in touch with conditions at home 
and, vice versa, answered inquiries from the Ignited States about men in the 
Division. 

During this period the afternoon drill schedule was devoted each day to the 
playing of ganies. There was volley ball, basketball, soccer and boxing, and 
football teams were organized in companies, and all units up to, and including, 
the Division as a whole. This division team played with other division teams 
for the Corps and Army championship. 

Moving picture shows and entertainments were almost nightly affairs. "Home 
talent," worked up within regiments, proved very popular and some very good 
performances were staged. The most popular of these Division shows, or of any 
shows given before the Division, was the "Kellam Four," consisting of "Slim" 
Kellam and three supporters, whose songs and comedy never failed to draw hearty 
applause from their audiences. Kellam and his troupe later toured the Second 
Army and the Sixth and Seventh Divisions stationed in Luxembourg, where they 
continued their great success, rejoining the Division at break-neck speed when 
they heard it had been ordered home. "Slim," otherwise Frank Kellam, a mem- 
ber of the 316th Infantry and later of Headquarters Troop, prepared an inter- 
esting account of the history of his troupe, in which he pointed out that it was 
probably the first real soldier troupe in the American Expeditionary Forces and 
that it performed aj)proximately 450 times in the nine months of its existence. 
As he relates: 

"We played nine straight months in shell holes, trenches and 
dugouts of every description, also in theatres and private villas. 
When I say that we entertained more soldiers with real soldier 
talent than any other troupe in the A. E. F., I think I speak the 
truth." 

So much theatrical talent was develloped in the Seventy-ninth Division in 
this period that the "Lorraine Cross," the Division publication, in its issue of 
February 20, devoted a column to dramatics, reviewing the following productions 
by men of the Division and neighboring units: 

"In the Theatres 

803rd Pioneer Infantry; 40 Georgia beauties and a Jazz band. 

Ninth Corps; Vaudeville, juggling, wire dancing, and a he-lady; 
nine men. 

316th Headquarters; "The Vin Blanc Joint," seven piece or- 
chestra. 

115tli Engineers; Eighteen men. Visitors, treat 'em nice. 



852 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

315th Infantry; Minstrels, 14 men. They say it's good. 

312th F. A.; Vaudeville and minstrels; one officer and 21 men. 
Good. 

304th Sig. Bn.; Minstrels; 12 men. Plenty of pep. 

Mme. Hefti and Party; two femmes, one homme. Clawsic mus- 
ical numbers. 

"Musical Maids"; three U. S. Janes. No hommes. Piano, \'io- 
lin, voice. Swell show. 

311th F. A.; More minstrels; 14 men. Bon. 

Second Bn., 316th Inf.; Minstrels; one act sketch, sweet iodine 
quartet. Fourteen men. 

Co. K, 316th Inf.; Minstrels again, a magician, dancing, tough 
stuff." 

All of the entertainment, theatrical and otherwise, did not mean that the 
Division was losing any of its hard-earned military attitude. It was making 
progress in the lines of training mapped out for the after-Armistice period, and 
was still cognizant that it formed a part of the A. E. F. The soldierly bearing 
was remarked upon by General Johnson on February 14, in G-1 Order No. 54, 
which read:" 

"The Division Commander has noted with pleasure a great 
improvement in the rendering of salutes and the condition of 
transport. Officers of the Army, Corps, and other Divisions are 
constantly passing through this area and judge the state of dis- 
cipline and training in a great measure by these two things and 
for this reason the necessity of a careful observance of the re- 
quirements in regard to salutes and of the cleanliness of transport 
must be a matter of the Divisional pride, that we stand first and 
the earnest cooperation of every officer and man is desired in 
order that we may hold this place." 

Just eight days after this commendation came another G-1 Order from Divi- 
sion Headquarters which aroused more interest than any which had gone before. 
Nor is it to be wondered at, for this order of February 22 told the Seventy-ninth 
Division that it was scheduled to return to the United States during the month 
of June. That order settled many rumors and gave the men something defi- 
nite regarding the future. The two paragraphs which interested the Division 
read:'2 

"The following is the estimated shipping capacity that will be 
available by months, March to June, inclusive, for the return of 
troops to the United States. It includes that which is now known 
to become available. March 212,000; April, 221,000; May 248,000; 
June 270,000. 

Based on the above estimate divisions will return to 

the United States in the following order; March, 27th, 30th, 85th, 
37th, 91st Divisions; April, 26th, 77th, 82nd, 35th and 42nd 
Divisions; May, 32nd, 28th, 33rd, 80th, 78th Divisions; June, 
89th, 90th, 29th, 79th Div-isions." 

Even while this important news was being digested, the various units of the 
Division were preparing for the big event of the late winter m the Nmth Corps — 
an elimination Horse Show. Preceding this, as announced in G-1 Order No. 51, 



THE SOUILLY AND RIMAUCOURT AREAS 



353 



of February 11, there would be preliminary shows in the organizations and a 
Division Horse Show at Pierrefitte. The contest was open to all units with hor- 
ses" For organizations having only motorized equipment a motor show was 
planned, but had to be called off because of the movement of the Division. 

To tell of all the preliminary shows leading up to the big Division horse 
show would take too much space. Finally, on Thursday, February 27, which 
had been declared "a Division holiday," the big event took place.*'' The result 
was set forth by General Johnson the next day:*" 

"The Division Commander desires to express his appreciation 
of the fine showing which was made at the Divisional Horse Show 
yesterday. The Division has labored under a heavy handica]) 
in having had assigned to it old horses and in many instances 




311th Field Artillery Regiment Entries in Divisional Horse Show at Pierrefitte, 

February 27, 1919. 

horses with mange. The showing which was made indicates that 
on the part of all there has been a most earnest endeavor to fol- 
low out the orders which have been issued looking to the care of 
animals and transport. As a result the Division may well be proud 
of the same. Thanks are particularly due to the Board, consisting 
of Major W. J. Calvert, Captain John W. Converse, 1st Lt. T. A. 
Morgan and 1st Lt. William C. Cochran for their work in the prep- 
aration of all arrangements for the Horse Show." 

The list of winners at the Division Show is too long for complete publication, 
but all of those who took prizes were entered in the Ninth Corps Horse Show at 
Lerouville on March 21, where the Seventy-ninth Division made such an impres- 
sion that the Corps Commander, IVIajor General C. P. Summerall, issued the 
following appreciation to General Johnson:** 



354 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

"The Corps Commander desires to convey to you and through 
you to the officers and soldiers of the Seventy-ninth Division, his 
appreciation of the excellent exhibits made by the Division at 
the Horse Show of the Ninth Army Corps on March 21st. All 
entries showed evidence of the greatest interest, zeal and industry 
and they reflect credit upon the efficiency and morale of the Div- 
ision." 

That this praise ^^'as well earned, a list of the prize M'inners in the Corps Hor- 
se Show from the Division demonstrates:''' 

"A. E. F. Group 

Class 1 (Four line teams hitched to four wheel vehicles, not 
the limber type and driven from the box). 

Third; Driver Guckin, Supply Co., 315th Infantry. 

Class 2 (Two line teams hitched to four wheel vehicles, not 
of the limber type and driven froni the box). 

Third; Driver Webster, 304 tli Sanitary Train. 

Class 5 (Two line carts of all types). 

Second; Driver James G. Gorman, Bty. "E", 311th F. A. 

Class 6 (One line carts of all types). 

First; Driver Frield, Supply Co., 315th Infantry. 

Class 7 (M. G. carts, M. G. ammunition carts and 37 MM 
carts). 

Third; Sgt. Forsythe, Hq. Co., 314th Infantry. 

Class 8 (Artillery teams either gun or limber and caisson). 
First; Sgt. Brondis and crew, Bty. "F", 310th F. A. 
Second; Sgt. Wildski and crew, Bty. "A", 311th F. A. 

Class 9 (Saddle animals, enlisted men). 

First; Rider Cronin, 79th Co. M. P. 

Second; Rider Brown, Co. "G", 304tli Ammunition Train. 

Class 10 (Saddle animals, officers). 

First; Col. Charles G. Mortimer, 311th F. A. 

Class 11 (Booby class). 

Third; Driver Kelly, 304th Ammunition Train. 

Army Group 

Class 1 (a) (Divisional types, heavy draft horses). 
Second; Private Bradley, 311th F. A. 

(b) (Light draft horses). 

Second; Pvt. O'Leary, Supply Co., 313th Infantry. 
Third; Pvt. O'Keefe, Co. "C", 311th M. G. Bn. 

(c) (Wheel mules). 

Second; Pvt. Pickle, Bty. "F", 310th F. A. 

(d) (Lead mules). 

First; Pvt. Smearman, Supply Co., 313th Infantry. 

(e) (Pack mules). 

First; Pvt. Maurer, Supply Co., 313th Infantry. 
Third; Pvt. Jones, Bty. "D", 311th F. A. 

Class 3 (Mounts, enlisted men). 

Second; Pvt. Stocker, Hq. Co., 311th F. A. 



THE SOUILLY AND RIMAUCOURT AREAS 355 

Class -i (37mm gun squad). 

First; Sgt. McLaughlin and crew, Hq. Co., 31oth Inf- 

Second; Sgt. Howells and crew, Hq. Co., SUtli Inf. 

Class 5 ( mile mule race, enlisted men). 
Second; J. M. Spasio, 311th M. G. Bn. 

Class 6 (Machine gun squad, two entries from each Division.) 
First; Sgt. Golder and crew, M. G. Co., 315th Inf. 
Third; Corp. Ritchie and crew, M. G. Co., 316th Inf. 

Class 7 (14 mile flate race, officers). 
First; Capt. Hans H. Larsen, 310th F. A. 
Second; Capt. George A. Mount, 310th F. A. 
Third; Lt. John D. Newbold, Jr., 310th F. A. 

Class 8 (75 mm guns). 

Second; Sgt. Wildski and crew, Bty. "A", 311th F. A. 

Class 9 (Mounts, heavy charger, officers, entries unlimited). 
Second; Col. Charles G. Mortimer, 311th F. A. 
Third; Lt. John W. Brown, 310th F. A. 

Class 10 (Mounts, light charger, officers, entries unlmited). 
First; Lt. Col. T. G. Gottschalk, 311th F. A. 
Second; Lt. John W. Brown, 310th F. A. 
Third; Lt. James W. Xenney, 310th F. A. 

Class 11 (Jumping, enlisted men). 

First; Pvt. Cerrata, Bty. "F", 310th F. A. 

Class 12 (Jumping, officers, entries unlimited). 
First; Lt. Charles A. Fagan, Jr., 310th F. A. 
Second; Lt. John W. Brown, 310th F. A. 
Third; Lt. Col. T. G. Gottschalk, 311th F. A. 

Class 13 (Polo class, officers). 
First; Capt. Hans M. Larsen, 310th F. A. 
Second; Col. Charles G. Mortimer, 311th F'. A. 
Third; Lt. Walter D. Mills, 311th F. A. 

Class 14 (Special class, 134 n^ile steeplechase for officers). 

First; Captain Louis desB. Reese, 310th F. A. 
Second; Lt. Col. T. G. Gottschalk, 311th F. A. 
Third; Lt. John W. Brown, 310th F. A." 

To summarize the results, the Seventy-ninth Division won fourteen first 
places, eighteen seconds and thirteen thirds for a total of 137 points. The Ninety- 
ninth Division secured 87 points and the Ninth Corps, twenty-six points.'' 

General Kuhn had returned to the command of the Division on March 1,^' 
but on March 14 he received a furlough and immediately went on leave to 
Monte Carlo the command again reverting to General Johnson.'^ While in 
Monte Carlo, General Kuhn heard of the success at the Seventy-ninth at the 
Ninth Corps shoM' and wired his congratulations as follows:^" 

"Hearty congratulations on splendid showing of Division at 
Corps Horse Show." 

General Kuhn and General Johnson took great pride, along with officers 
and men, in the commendations which kept flowing in to the Division. A num- 



356 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

ber of these commendations may be found in the appendix. The Division was 
ready to win more honors in the Division Motor Show which had been planned 
for March 29, when orders came sending it forth from the Souilly Area on another 
stage of the homeward journey. 

Field Order No. 40, 1919, prescribed that this division proceed by marching 
to the Fourth Training Area, just north of Chaumont, and directed that the 
movement begin on March 28. The hike to the new area covered a distance of 
one hundred kilometers and took five days to complete. It was made under 
the most trying conditions, as snow and hail fell almost continually during the 
first four days, drenching the men and making the roads extremely difiicult for 
marching. Despite the bad weather and the long weary kilometers, feeling and 
spirit ran high. There was no straggling and every man stepped along with a 
light heart. 

The change in the country was seen as soon as the Division reached St. Dizier. 
There it entered the beautiful valley of the Marne, with high hills on both 
sides, and it was apparent that the Division was just beginning to see one of the 
picturesque parts of France. The long march had its compensation. It brought 
the Division back into civilization, back where the inhabitants had not lived 
through long years of fear of Boche artillery fire. For seven months the Seventy- 
ninth had been at or near the front, and it was with deep relief the men wel- 
comed a land with tidy homes and neatly cultivated fields. 

How well the men conducted themselves on the five day march is commented 
upon in an ofiicial commendation from General Kuhn, who rejoined the Division 
on April 1, and by General Summerall, of the Ninth Corps, the latter stating; 

"The Corps Commander desires to add his commendation of 
the excellent manner in which the march of the 79th Division was 
conducted, as observed by him during the progress of the move- 
ment. It is a matter of profound pride and satisfaction to have 
such evidence of the morale and discipline of this Division." 

The statement of the various elements of the Division in this new area, which 
came to be known as the Rimaucourt Area, were as follows: 

Division Headquarters Reynel 

304th Engineers. Hq. Manois 

313th Infantry. Hq. Lafauche 

314th Infantry. Hq. St. Blin 

315th Infantry. Hq. Rimaucourt 

316th Infantry. Hq. Orquevaux 

310th Field Artillery Roches-sur-Regnon 

311th Field Artillery Briaucourt 

312th Field Artillery Bologne 

157th Infantry Brig. Hq. Prez-sous-la-Fauche 

158th Infantry Brig. Hq. Orquevaux 

154th F. A. Brigade. Hq. Signeville 

Scarcely had the Division reached the new area, when, on April 8, it was an- 
nounced that "under telegraphic instructions received April 7, the 79th Division 
passes under control of the Commanding General, Service of Supplies, April 10, 
1919."^' The announcement continued to the effect that orders for a move to 



THE SOUILLY AND RIMAUCOURT AREAS 



357 




Lt. Van Dyke at the head of "K" Co. 31Gth Infaxtrt. 




Lt. Col. H. H. Smith and 1,t. W.m. Je.nkixs leadixg 3ed Baitaliox 31Uth Lnf. e.n-kolie 
SouiLLY Area to CHAMBRANCotrRT IN Rimatjcotjbt Area. 



358 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

the LeMans Area were expected as soon as all property was turned in. It warned 
that "this order does not mean that the Division will embark at an earlier date 
than originally planned. Troops are being moved to the LeMans Area as rapidly 
as space is available in that area without reference to date of sailing."^' '^ ^ 

On April 12th, while still in the Rimaucourt Area awaiting fiuther orders 
regarding the movement to LeMans, the Seventy-ninth Division held its final 
review, its turn to be reviewed and inspected by the Commander-in-Chief, Gen- 
eral Pershing. An excellent description of the review comes from the pen of 
General Kuhn, who wrote: 

"For days all elements of the command had been putting finishing touches 
on uniforms, equijnnent, animals and transportation in order to present the best 




Men op "I" Co. 316th. Inf. Ne.4.ring Rimaucourt Area. 

possible appearance. We were not unaware of the fact that our showing before 
the commander of the A. E. F. might influence our sailing date. 

"There was great difficulty in finding a field convenient and adequate for 
the concentration of the Division, billeted over an area of some 200 square miles, 
a field which would be sufficient in size to hold over 22,000 men and whose pres- 
ence on it would not result in property damage. A field near Orquevaux, a ham- 
let about four miles east of Reynel, was finally selected, and, this settled, our 
thoughts turned to the weather. With the appearance of Spring we hoped for a 
fair day but our optimism was dampened by the rain which never failed to fall 
whenever the Seventy-ninth Division had any important event on hand, be it 
march, battle, horse show or what not. The drizzle, which set in on the evening 



THE SOUILLY AND RIMAUCOURT AREAS 359 

of April 11, became a downpour on the following da}% the day of the review. 
Everyone was at first disgusted at our seeming bad luck, but in the end the WTetched 
weather proved a blessing in disguise, for it lent so unusual a setting that the re- 
view turned out a complete success. 

"The Artillery Brigade and other units, which were stationed at a distance 
from the field, marched out fr)m their billets the day before and bivouaced on the 
reviewing field, laboring a good part of the night in washing the mud from their 
gun carriages and caissons and grooming their horses. The infantry and other 
elements of the Division, under a threatening sky, marched to the field early in 
the morning and soon the entire Division was formed into a compact mass in close 
line of battalion columns, artillery on the right with field transportation massed 
in rear. 

"For a short time during the inspection, the rain ceased long enough to per- 
mit three battalions to remove their slickers so as to display their service, wound 
stripes and Divisional insignias. 

"Tn what action did you get that.!*' General Pershing would ask, pointing to 
some man's wound stripe, and, when the reply came, add, 'Be proud of it — as we 
all are — the symbol of America's sacrifice.' 

"At the completion of the inspection the officers and men to whom the Dis- 
tinguished Service Cross had been awarded were drawn up in front of the center 
of the Division, with the regimental and battalion colors in their rear. General 
Pershing then personally pinned the medals on each man and extended his con- 
gratulations. After this the regimental colors were decorated with streamers. 
Then came the march past the reviewing stand, the battalions in line of com- 
panies. 

"In a pouring rain the Division swept by its great commander, maintaining 
an excellent alignment and the massed bands playing a stirring march. With 
set and resolute faces, with the rain dripping from their helmets, line after line of 
men marched past, emerging out of the mist on one side of the field and disap- 
pearing again into the mist on the other side. It was a wonderful and awe-in- 
spiring sight which did not escape favorable comment by General Pershing. 

"Following the infantry and engineers came the trains and lastly the ar- 
tillery, the motorized regiment of heavies bringing up the rear. A passing word 
of credit is due General Hero and his Artillery Brigade for its splendid showing. 
In spite of mud and rain, guns and caissons, tractors and motor equipment were 
immaculate as if fresh from the factory while the animals, of the light regiments, 
well groomed and well fed, bore little resemblance to the decrepit and mangy 
brutes first issued. 

" In his address to the officers of the Division at the conclusion of the review, 
General Pershing was generous in his praise of the splendid manner in which the 
Division had acquitted itself in battle. He conveyed the thanks of the A. E. F. 
and the nation at large, as well as his own, to the Division for the heroic part it 
had played in the Meuse-Argonne. 

"'Impress upon your men,' he said, 'that each and everyone who did his 
part, no matter how humble, shares in the glory of the great accomplishment. 
Let each view the works of the -whole and let none hereafter discount the sum of 



360 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-XIXTH DIVISION 



L 



/^i 




Gexeral Pershing Riding to Review the 79th DmsioN at ORQUEVAtix, April 12, 1919. 




4 



Decorating the Regimental Colors. 




The Colors or the 79th Division, A.E.F. 



THE SOUILLY AND RIMAUCOURT AREAS 361 

America's part in this war. America won the war; it was the arrival of you and 
your comrades at a time when Allied leaders were beginning to doubt their ability 
to crush Germany, that turned the scales and sealed the doom of autocracy.'" 

Scarcely was the review at an end when General Kuhn, delighted with the 
showing made, issued the following General Order to the command :-^ 

"The Division Commander takes great pride and pleasiu-e in 
announcing to the Command his satisfaction with the inspection 
and review held this day by the Commander-in-Chief. 

In spite of unfavorable weather the appearance of men, 
animals, wagons and trucks was above criticism and the march 
by well executed and impressive. 

The appearance and behavior of the Division elicited general 
commendation not only from the Commander-in-Chief in person, 
but from all visiting general officers from G. H. Q. and the IX 
Corps. 

The Division Commander feels justly proud of the Division 
and desires to thank all members thereof for their loyal efforts 
which have resulted in such well-merited praise. 

This order will be read to all organizations at the first forma- 
tion after receipt and will be posted on all bulletin boards." 

The final incident of the great review came the following day in the receipt 
of a letter from General Pershing which gave a glowing summary of the fighting 
record of the Seventy-ninth Division. This letter, prized highest of all the hon- 
ors bestowed upon the Division, reads as follows: 

"American Expeditionary Forces 
Office of the Commander-in-Chief 
France, April 13, 1919. 

Major General Joseph E. Kuhn, 
Commanding 79th Division, 
American E. F. 

My dear General Kuhn: 

It afforded me great satisfaction to inspect the Seventy- 
ninth Division on April 12th, and on that occasion to decorate 
the standards of your regiments, and, for gallantry in action, to 
confer medals on certain officers and men. Your transportation 
and artillery were in splendid shape, and the general appearance 
of the Division was well up to the standard of the American Ex- 
peditionary Forces. Throughout the inspection and review the 
excellent morale of the men and their pride in the record of their 
organization was evident. 

In the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the Division had its full 
share of hard fighting. Entering the line for the first time on 
September 26tli as the right of the center corps, it took part in 
the beginning of the great Meuse-Argonne Offensive. By Sep- 
tember 27th it had captured the strong position of Montfaucon, 
and in spite of hea\'y artillery reaction the Bois de Beuge and 
Nantillois were occupied. On September 30 it was relieved, 
having advanced ten kilometers. It again entered the battle on 
October 29th, relieving, as part of the 17th French Corps, the 



362 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



29th Division in the Grande Montagne Sector to the east of the 
Meuse River. From that until the Armistice went into effect, it 
was almost constantly in action. On November 9th Crepion, 
Wavrille and Gibercy M'ere taken, and in conjunction with ele- 
ments on the right and left, Etraye and Moirey were invested. 
On November 10th, Chaumont-devant-Damvillers was taken, a 
total advance of 9^2 kilometers. 

This is a fine record for any division, and I want the officers 
and men to know this, and to realize how much they have con- 
tributed to the success of our arms. They may return home 
justly proud of themselves and of the part they have played in 
the American Expeditionary Forces. 

Sincerely yours, 

John J. Pershing." 




American "Side Door Pullmans" Going from Rimaucourt to Nantes, April, 1919. 

On the Monday following the review by General Pershing, the 315tli Infantry 
was ordered to Chaumont to be reviewed by Secretary of the Navy Daniels. A 
train of 140 motor trucks from G. H. Q. were assigned to convey the men to the 
spot. Unfortunately, a delayed train prevented the presence of the Secretary of 
the Navy and in his stead the review was conducted before Lieutenant General 
Hunter Liggett and a number of high Navy ofiicers.^^ With the return of the 
315th Infantry from Chaumont, the entire Division went to work turning in guns, 
wagons, animals and all surplus equipment at the railheads at Andelot and Rimau- 
court. Orders came on April 18 for the final move to the embarkation area,^* 
and on April 19 the exodus from the Runaucourt Area began. ^^ 



THE SOUILLY AND RIMAUCOLRT AREAS 



365 





*^^^*--t|^^i 




A Stop Along The JIovte to Navtes Ahea. 




ExTKAINlXCi AT KlMAlC OLKT. 




301th Engineers "Homeward BoUxVd." 



CHAPTER XII 
NANTES. ST. NAZAIRE AND HOME 

CONTRARY to forecasts and expectation it was not the Le Mans Embarka- 
tion Area to which the Seventy-ninth Division was ordered in the move- 
ment which began on April 19. G-3 Order No. 50, of the Division, specified 
instead that the 154th Field Artillery Brigade should go direct to St. Nazaire and 
that the balance of the Division should proceed to Nantes. In conformity with 
these instructions, Division Headquarters closed at Reynel at 12h, April 21, and 
reopened on the same day and hour at Nantes. '^ 

Once again the artillery brigade was separated from the other units. It was 
the first to get away from the Rimaucourt Area, arriving at St. Nazaire on April 
21 and immediately entering upon a period of feverish paper work. A description 
of the short period at the port of embarkation is given by the historian of the 
311th Field ArtUlery, and what applies to his regiment applies as well to the 310th 
and 312th Artillery i^ 

"Try as we might, we could find nothing that wasn't done for 
us and done well. No mess, no extra policing, no fatigue, no 
more horses, material, etcetera, etcetera. Excellent barracks, 
good food and very fine weather. Three hoiu-s drill per diem 
and a final settlement of accounts. When we say nothing to do, 
we were forgetting the slaves who were immediately and with 
fine despatch, swamped in paper work. Lists, lists, lists — but 
they were final; there would be no more; daylight loomed ahead, 
when we could break out of this heavy mass of typewritten pages, 
reports and forms." 

Meanwhile, the movenofint of the balance of the Division to Nantes was not 
so rapid. Between April 21 and 27 the famous box cars — yes, and American 
"side-door Pullmans" — in long trains were leaving Rimaucourt railhead with 
battalions and regiments, each trainload requiring from forty to forty-eight 
hours before the destination was reached.' The way led through Chaumont, 
Dijon, Paray, Moulins, Bourges, Tours and Anglers to Nantes and vicinity, the 
units being billeted in small villages in a forty kilometer area around the old 
French town on the Loire. The 304th Engineers, however, did not move to Nantes 
with the Division. The regiment remained to garrison and police the area, not 
leaving Rimaucourt until May 10th, when it was sent by train to rejoin the 
Division at Montaign in the St. Nazaire area. 

The weather during the Division's stay of approximately three weeks in the 
area was ideal. The French people with whom the men were billeted treated them 
royally and the unanimous decision of all was that the Nantes Area was 

(364) 



NANTES, ST. NAZAIRE AND HOIME 365 

the very best the Division had lived in while in France. The houses and streets 
of the httle villages, scattered through the beautiful rolling country bordering on 
the Loire River in the old Vendee section of France, were surprisingly clean and 
orderly. 

Only one thing barred the harmony of it all — inspections. They began al- 
most as soon as the new billets were occupied. All administrative orders of the 
period dwelt almost entirely upon them. As early as AprU 27 came G-1 Order 
No. 147, 79th Division, which proceeded to lay down the instructions of the 
Section Inspector of Base Section No. 1. The Division never realized it had to 
pass so many inspections before it could be released for embarkation, but officers 
and company clerks learned to their sorrow of what was ahead of them when 
they turned the leaves of that and subsequent orders. 

Then, with the inspections came the inevitable lists and accountings; squad- 
ing lists, company rosters, clothing and equipment lists, arms and ammunition 
lists, property lists, passenger lists, individual records, audits of company funds, 
audits of vouchers for pay, baggage certificates, examination of identification 
tags, of wound chevrons and so on, indefinitely.* 

It was at Nantes that Major General Kuhn was awarded the deco- 
ration Chevaliet of the Legion d'Honneur and was decorated amid appropriate 
ceremonies. 

On April 30, a tentative sailing schedule was published which listed five trans- 
ports which would carry 15,000 men, the first to sail on May 9, and the others at 
intervals until May 16.^ A few days later, on May 2, another sailing list was 
published and this set the date for the first ship's departure on May 10.' About 
the same time it was stated that passes of not longer than eighteen hours would 
be granted to officers and men to visit Nantes and other cities and towns in the 
areas, and the brief trips were sought eagerly, particularly as orders made matters 
simple by publishing almost all the train schedules in the area.* 

By the beginning of the second week in May the inspections had advanced 
to the point where the units began to St. Nazaire, once more reuniting all elements. 
Here again came m.ore inspections, another delousing, issuance of clothing, com- 
pletion of passenger lists and other paper work until everything was ready for 
the embarkation. At last that day a^ri^■ed. The first unit to embark was the 
310th Field Artillery which was assigned to the U. S. S. Tiger, the first transport 
available for the Division. A splendid description of the last hour rush is given 
by the historian of the 310th Field Artillery, who states:' 

"Suddenly, like everything else at this time, came the an- 
nouncement on May 12 that we embark the next morning on the 
U. S. S. Tiger. That was at Officers' Call, 11.30 A. M. There 
was no time to enjoy the realization that the long looked for day 
was at hand. Too numerous and engrossing were the various 
things which, under regulations, could not have been done before 
and must be done now. Not the least bothersome was the labor- 
ious collection, exchange and redistribution of all French money; 
none was permitted to leave the country and exchange was pos- 
sible only after receipt of sailing orders." 



366 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




' ^ I^ OTP^'l"^ ^f^^'T* 




1 — The Harbor of St. Xazaire. 

2 — Several of the Transports That Brought Us Home. 

3 — LoADixG Troops of 79th Division at St. Nazaire. 



NANTES, ST. NAZAIRE AND HOME 367 

All sailings took place between May 13 and May 19, although the last official 
general order of the Di^•ision, No. 30, was issued on May 14, after the Tiger was 
already well at sea and the second transport of the convoy was steaming down the 
Loire. This order was a testimonial by General Kuhn to his men: 

"1. With the embarkation for the United States, now under 
way, the work for which the 79th Division was created has come 
to an end. 

2. During its life of twenty months, the Division has demon- 
strated a degree of loyalty, devotion to duty and bravery in ac- 
tion which must be a source of pride to every member as well as 
a credit to our country. 

3. The Division Commander desires to thank each officer 
and man for his work and to commend all for the excellent reputa- 
tion justly earned by the Division. He trusts that the many les- 
sons learned while in military service will not be lost and that all 
members of the Division will return to their civil callings with a 
better understanding of the obligations and responsibilities of 
citizenship in a free country. 

4. The glorious achievements of the American Expeditionary 
Forces, in which the 79th Division has been privileged to partici- 
pate, will be a source of gratification to coming generations of 
Americans. We are not unmindful that these achievements 
have not been attained without sacrifices and we bear in revered 
memory the manj' brave comrades who have made the supreme 
sacrifice for their country. 

5. The Di\'ision Commander wishes for every member of the 
Division all possible success in his future life." 

Different from the silent, alert trip overseas some nine months before was the 
homeward journey across the Atlantic. No zigzagging in the war zone, no run- 
ning with lights out, no watchful guard to check the chap who wanted to light 
a match on deck. Band concerts and entertainments, games and amusements 
with enough drill to enable the men to man the boats in case of accident. Al- 
most before the last units had embarked at St. Nazaire, the first transports were 
arriving in American ports. 

Memorable are those days of return, not only to the men of the Division, 
but to the parents, relatives and friends who cheered from ferryboat and excursion 
steamers, from piers and wharves, from roof tops, pa^-ements and streets as the 
transports coming into New York Bay, the Delaware River, Hampton Roads or 
Charleston Harbor, presented a mass of olive drab gone wild with excitement. 
From decks, guns, super-structures, masts and rigging hung the returning men, 
bands playing on the docks, and on the ships, Red Cross banners, American flags, 
waving wild tumult and thrill everywhere. Never were homecomings more glorious. 

Day after day for more than a week the Division sailed home. The dates, 
ports of debarkation, transports and units on board were:^ 

May 26, 1919 

HOBOKEN, N. J. 

U. S. S. Princess Matoika 

1.54th Field Artillery Brigade Headquarters 

314tli Infantry 

310th Machine Gun Battalion 

304th Field Signal Battalion 



368 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 




310th Field Abtillery Regiment on Transport ''Tiger' 



i;..-.r « 




A Fight Between the Ahmt and Navy on Board the Transport Manchuria. 



NANTES, ST. NAZAIRE AND HOME 



369 




On Board the Thansport Kroonl.\nd. 




Mid day "Sehvke" ox the Kroonlaxd. 




Kenneth Ci..' rk and his organ with us to the very last. 



370 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



U. S. S. Tiger 

310th Field Artillery 

May 2S, 1919 
Brooklyn, N. Y. 
U. S. S. Edward Luckenbach 

312th Machine Gun Battali(jn 
311th Field Artillery 

Newport News, Va. 
U. S. S. Virginian 

311th Machine Gun Battalion 
312th Field Artillery 




Concert by 310 F. A. Band, on Board SS. Tiger. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
U. S. S. Dakotan 

30JHh Supply Train 
79th Military Police Company 
304th Mobile Ordnance Repair Shop 
315th Infantry (Companies "L" and "M", Sani- 
tary Detachment and Third Bn. Hq.) 

May 29, 1919 
Hoboken, N. J. 
U. S. S. Kroonland 

Headquarters, 79th Division Major General Kuhn, 

commanding. 
Headquarters Troop 79th Division 
304th Engineers 

316th Infantry (Companies "L" and "M", de- 
tachment of Company "K", Third Bn. Hq.) 



NANTES, ST. NAZAIRE AND HOME 

Newport News, Va. 
U. S. S. Autigone 

313th Infantry (Regimental Headquarters, Head- 
quarters Company, Supply Company, "L" 
Company and First Battalion complete). 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
U. S. S. Texan 

316th Infantry (excluding portion on Kroonland) 

Mail 30, 1919 
Philadelphia, Pa. 
U. S. S. Santa Rosa 

315th Infantry (excluding portion on Dakotan). 



371 




HOBOKEN AFTER DeBABKING FROM THE KrOONLAND . 

Charleston, S. C. 
U. S. S. Minnesotan 

304th Ammunition Train (Motor Bn., Company 
"G", and train detachments). 

Jime 1, 1919 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
U. S. S. Shoshone 

304th Ammunition Train (Horse Battalion) 
304th Sanitary Train 

June 2, 1919 

Newport News, Va. 
U. S. S. Paysandu 

313th Infantry (excluding portion on Antigone) 



372 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



The rest of the story is soon told. The 313th Infantry had a triumphal 
home-coming parade in Baltimore on June 4 and was demobilized at Camp Meade 
between June 5 and 10.'° The balance of the Division, which, as fast as it reached 
the United States, was congregated at Camp Dix, N. J., voted almost unanimously 
against a parade planned for Philadelphia. The result was that demobilization 
was carried on rapidly, the men from the east being mustered out at Camp Dix 
and those from more remote states being forwarded in detachments to the de- 
mobilization camps nearest their homes. By mid-June the Di^•lSlon ceased to 
exist. It had turned in its remaining property, shipped its records to the War 
Department at Washington, passed its physical examination, received its pay 
and discharge allowance and doffed the olive drab of the army for the tweeds 
and serges of civilian life. 




313th Infantry Regiment Parading in Baltimore, June 4th, 1919. 

The Government, as it created the Seventy-ninth Division, caused it to pass 
out of existence. The thousands of American men — from the great cities, the 
small towns, the farms, the ranches, the mountains and the prairies — drawn to- 
gether to accomplish a fixed purpose, had triumphed. Their work was done. 
They departed for the places from whence they came, those thousands who for 
nearly two years were united in a single body, having almost a single soul, until 
they were scattered over milhons of square miles, never to be reassembled. 

The Seventy-ninth Division, as it was in the World War, no longer exists as 
a part of the Army of the United States. But it lives in the minds and hearts of 



NANTES, ST. NAZAIRE AND HOME 



373 



fifty thousand men, and it will live there as long as those men, who have tasted 
the bitterest gall and the sweetest nectar in the world, live. 

Memories and traditions will carry the glory of the Seventy-ninth onward 
through American history long after those who fought with it in France have 
answered the final taps. Its deeds are emblazoned in the official reports of that 
summer and fall of 1918; its campaigns may be read througli the centuries on the 
color streamers of the battle flags :" 

Meuse-Argonne Offensive, France, 26 September-30 Septcml)er. 
Meuse-Argonne Offensive, France, 8 October-25 October. 
Meuse-Argonne Offensive, France, 29 October-ll November. 

A glorious record, crowned by Montfaucon and la Borne de Cornouiller, but 
saddened, alas, by that long, long list of those who died on battlefield and in 
hospital, victims of bullet, gas, shell and disease. And the accomplishments of 
the Seventy-ninth Division are poignant, lasting records that those who died did 
not make the supreme sacrifice in vain. 




Graves of Captain Harhy Ixgersoll and M.ajor Benjamin F. Pepper, both Officers Killed in 

Montfaucon Sector. 



374 



UNIT COMMANDERS AND DIVISION STAFF 



UNIT 


CAMP MEADE 

Aug. 25, 1917-July, 1918 


TRAINING AREA 
FRANCE 

July, 1918-Sept., 1918 


DEFENSIVE SECTOR 
304 
Sept. 13-Sept. 25 


79th division 


Maj. Gen. Joseph E. Kuhn, 
(Brig. Gen. Wm. J. Nichol- 
son, February and March 
1918 


Maj. Gen. Jo.sepb E. Kuhn 


Maj. Gen. Joseph E. Kuhn 


CHIEF OF STAFF 


Lt. Col. Tenney Ross, pro- 
moted to Col., June, 1918 

(Maj. G. A. Wildriek. 
February and March, 
1918 


Col. Tenney Ross 


Col. Tenney Ross 


ASSISTANT 
CHIEF OF STAFF 
G-1 


Lt. Col. G. A. Hadsell 
(May and June, 1918) 


Maj. C. B. Moore 


Lt. Col. C. B. Moore 


ASSISTANT 
CHIEF OF STAFF 
G-2 


Major S. T. Mackall,to 

Dec, 1917 
1st Lt. Spencer Roberts, 

from Dec, 1917 


Capt. Spencer Roberts 


Major Spencer Roberts 


ASSISTANT 
CHIEF OF STAFF 
G-3 


Maj. G. A. Wildriek 


Maj. G. A. Wildriek 


Maj. G. A. Wildriek 


DIVISION ENGINEER 


Col. J. P. Jervey 


Col. J. P. Jervey 


Col. J. P. Jervey 


DIVISION SURGEON 


Lt. Col. P. AV. Huntington 


Lt. Coi. P. W. Huntington 


Lt. Col. P. W. Huntington 


DIVISION SIGNAL 
OFFICER 


Maj. G. S. Gillis 


Lt. Col. G. S. Gillis 


Lt. Col. G. S. Gillis 


DIV. M. G. OFFICER 




Maj. Andrew W. Smith 


Lt. Col. Andrew W. Smith 


DIVISION ADJUTANT 


Maj. C. B. Moore, to 

Dec, 1917 
Maj. 0. A. Pritcliett, from 

Dec, 1917 


Maj. 0. A. Pritchett 


Maj. 0. A. Pritchett 


DIV. ORD. OFFICER 


Maj. T. Whelen 


Maj. T. W. Miller 


Maj. T. W. Miller 


DIVISION INSPECTOR 


Maj. Samuel G. Talbott, 
Maj. Martin G. Wise 


Maj. T. Charlton Henry 


Maj. T. Charlton Henry 


DIVISION 
QUARTERMASTER 


Maj. Robert F. Tate 
Maj. Edw. H. Tarbutton 


Maj. Edw. H. Tarbutton 


Maj. Jos. W. Denton 


DIVISION JUDGE 
ADVOCATE 


Lt. Col. James J. Mayes 
Maj. Chas. V. Porter, Jr. 


Maj. Chas. V. Porter, Jr. 


Maj. Chas. V. Porter, Jr. 


157th INFANTRY 
BRIGADE 


Brig. Gen. W. J. Nicholson 


Brig. Gen. W. J. Nicholson 


Brig. Gen. W. J. Nicholson 


313th infantry 


Col. Cluade B. Sweezey 


Col. Claude B. Sweezey 


Col. Claude B. Sweezey 



UNIT COM]\L\NDERS AND DIVISION STAFF 



375 



SECTOR 304 

MONTFAUCON 

MEUSE-ARGONNE 

Sept. i2G-Sept. 30 


DEFENSIVE SECTOR 
TROYON 

Oct. 8- Oct. 26 


GRANDE MONTAGNE 

SECTOR 

MEUSE-ARGONNE 

Oct. 30 -Nov. 11 


ARMISTICE TO 

DEMOBILIZATION 
Nov. 11, 1918-Jime, 1919 


Maj. Gen. Joseph E. Kuhn 


Maj. Gen. Joseph E. Kuhn 


Maj. Gen. Joseph E. Kuhn 


Maj. Gen. Joseph E. Kuhn 
Brig. Gen. E. M. .Johnson, 

Jan. 19-Feb. i, 1919 

Feb. SKFeb. 38, 1919 
Brig. Gen, John S, Winn, 

Feb, 2-Feb, 3, 1919 
Brig, Gen. Andrew Hero, 

Jr., Feb. 3-Feb. 9, 1919 


Col. Tenney Ross 


Col. Tenney Ross 


Col. Tenney Ross 


Col. Tenney Ross 

Lt. Col, G, A, Wildrick, 

Dec, 12, 1918-Jan, 29,'19 
Col, P. T, Havne, Jr„ Jan, 

29, 1919-June 5, 1919 


Lt. Col. C. B. Moore 


Lt. Col. C. B. Moore, to 

Oct. 15, 1918 
Lt. Col. W. A. Delamater, 

from Oct. 15, 1918 


Lt. Col. W. A. Delamater 


Lt, Col. W. A. Delamater, 

to Mar. 1, 1919 
Lt. Col. W. J. Calvert, from 

Mar. 1,1919- June 5,1919 


Major Spencer Roberts 


Major Spencer Roberts 


Maj. Spencer Roberts 


Maj. Spencer Roberts 
Capt. Albert Crandon 


Maj. G. A. Wildrick 


Maj. G. A. Wildrick 


Lt. Col. G. A. Wildrick 


Lt, Col, (;, A, Wildrick 
Maj, A, Colt, Dec. 12, 1918 
to Jan. 29, 1919 


Col. J. P. Jervey 
Lt. Col. J. F. Barber 


Col. J. F. Barber 


Col. J. F. Barber 


Col. J. F. Barber 


Col. P. W. Huntington 


Col. P. \Y. Hiuitington 


Col. P. W. Huntington 


Col. P. W. Huntington 


Lt. Col. G. S. GiUis 


Lt. Col. G. S. Gillis 


Lt. Col. G. S. Gillis 


Lt. Col. Madison 
Lt. Col. Magill 


Lt. Col. Andrew W. Smith 


Lt. Col. Andrew W. Smith 


Lt. Col. Andrew W. Smith 


Lt. Col. Andrew W. Smith 


Maj. 0. A. Pritchett 


Lt. Col. J. H. Steinmaa 


Lt. Col. J. H. Steinman 


Lt. Col. J. H. Steinman 
Maj. R. \an Hoevenberg 


Maj. T. W. Miller 


Lt. Col. T. W. Miller 


Lt. Col. T. W. Miller 


Lt. Col. T. W. Miller 


Maj. T. Charlton Henry 


Maj. T. Charlton Henry 


Maj. T. Charlton Henry 


Lt. Col. E. C. Sammons, 
Nov. 1918-Mar. 1919 

Lt. Col, E, H, Agnew, from 
Mar„'19-June5, 1919 


Maj. Jos. W. Denton 


Maj. .Jos. W. Denton 


Maj. Jos. W. Denton 


Lt, Col. Jos. W. Denton 


Maj. Charles V. Porter, .Jr. 


Maj. Charles V. Porter, Jr. 


Lt. Col. Charles V. Porter, 
Jr. 


Lt. Col. Chas. V, Porter. Jr. 
Lt, Col. Barry Wright 


Brig. Gen. W. J. Nicholson 


Brig. Gen, AY. J. Nicholson 


Brig. Gen. W. J. Nicholson 


Brig. Gen. W. J. Nicholson, 

to Nov. 20, 1918 
Brig, Gen, John S, Winn, 

Nov. 20,'18-Feb. 18, '19 

Feb. 26, '19- June 5, '19 
Col. Claude B, Sweezy, 

Feb, 19, '19-Feb. 25, '19 


Col. Claude B. Sweezey 


Lt. Col. C. B. Moore 
I,t. Col. AY. A. Delameter 
Col. Wni. C. Rogers 


Col. Wm. C. Rogers 


Col. Wm C, Rogers 
Col, Claude B, Sweezey 



376 



UNIT COMMANDERS AND DIVISION STAFF 



UXIT 


CAMP MEADE 

Aug. 25, l!»17-July, 1918 


TRAINING AREA 
FRANCE 

July, 1918— Sept., 1918 


DEFENSn'E SECTOR 

304 
Sept. Ki-Sept. 25 


3Urii INFANTRY 


Col. Thos. W. Darrah 
Col. W. H. Ouiy, from 
June, 1918 


Col. W. H. Oury 


Col. W. H. Oury 


SllTH MACH. GUN BN. 


Maj. C. M. DuPuy 


Maj. C. M. DuPuy 


Maj. C. M. DuPuy 


l.-.s™ INFANTRY 
HHICADE 


Brig. Gen. E. E. Hatch, to 

May 24, 1918 
Col. 0. B. Rosenbaum, 

from May 25-July 5, '18 


Col. 0. J. Charles, from 
July G-Aug. 13, 1918 

Brig. Gen. R. H. Noble, 
from Aug. 14, 1918 


Brig. Gen. R. H. Noble 


315th INFANTRY 


Col. 0. B. Rosenbaum 


Col. A.C. Knowles 


Col. A. C. Knowles 


31GTII INFANTRY 


Col. 0. .1. Charles 


Col. O. J. Charles 


Col. 0. J. Charles 


31'2th machine GUX 
BATTALION 


Maj. Stuart S. Janney 


Maj. Stuart S. Janney 


Maj. Stuart S. Janney 


HEADQUARTERS 
TROOP 


Capt. E. S. Pleasonton to 

Dec. 12, 1917 
Capt. E. W. Madeira 

from Dec. 12, 1917 


Cajit. E. W. iladeira 


Capt. W. E. Madeira 


304th T. M. battery 


Capt. W. G. Huckel 


Capt. W. G. Huckel 


Capt. W. G. Huckel 


310th machine gun 

battalion 


Maj. A. W. Smith 


Maj. J. L. Evans 


Maj. J. L. Evans 


334th ENG. REG. 


Col. J. P. Jervcy 


Col. J. P. Jervey 


Col. J. P. .Jervey 


304TH ENG. TRAIN 


Col. J. P. Jervey 

1st Lt. Clinton W. Morgan 


Col. J. P. Jervev 
1st Lt. E. A. Hill 


Col. J. P. Jervev 
1st Lt. E. A. nil 


301th field 
SIGNAL BN. 


Maj. — . — . Moore 
Maj. Z. H. Mitchum 


Maj. Z. H. Mitchum 


Maj. Z. H. Mitchum 


304th ammunition 

train 


Col. W. E. Prosser 

Lt. Col. H. J. McKenny 


Maj. E. Van Voorhees 


Maj. E. \'an Voorhees 


304th train 
HEADQUARTERS 


Col. W. C. Rogers 


Col. W. C. Rogers 


Co . W. C. Rogers 


304th supply train 


Maj. I. Putman 
Col. W. McLaughlin 
Capt. W. T. R. Price 


Maj. W. T. R. Price 


Maj. W. T. R. Price 


304th sanitary 

train 


Lt. Col. P. W. Huntington 
Lt. Col. J. M. Troutt 


Lt. Col. J. M. Troutt 


Lt. Col. J. M. Troutt 




LA COURTINE AREA 






1.54th F. a. BRIGADE 


Brig. Gen. A. Hero, Jr. 


Brig. Gen. A. Hero, Jr. 


Brig. Gen. A. Hero, Jr. 


310th F. a. REGIMENT 


Col. H. L. Landers 


Col. H. L. Landers 


Col. H. L. Landers 


3nTH F. A. REGIMENT 


Lt. Col. C. G. Mortimer 
Col. W. R. Briggs 


Col. C. G. Mortimer 


Col. C. G. Mortimer 


312th F. A. REGIMENT 


Co!. J. F. Brady 
Col. H. P. Wilbur 


Col. H. P. Wilbur 


Col. H. P. Wilbur 



UNIT COMMANDERS AND DIVISION STAFF 



377 



SECTOR 304 

MOXTFAUCON 

MEISE-ARGOXNE 

Sept. ^6-30 


DEFENSIVE SECTOR 

TROVOX 

Oct. 8-Oct. 26 


GRANDE MONTAGNE 

SECTOR 

MEUSE-ARGONNE 

Oct. 30-Nov. 11 


ARMISTICE TO 

DKMOBILIZ.^TION 

Nov. 11, 1918-June. 1919 


Col. W. H. Oiirv 

Lt. Col. H. .J. McKenny 


Col. AV. II. Oury 


Col. W. H. Oury 


Col. W. H. Oury 


Maj. C. M. DiiPuy 


Maj. C. M. DuPuy 


Maj. C. M. DuPuy 




Brig. Cii-n. R. H. Noble, 

to .Sept. -2(5, 1918 
Col. A. ('. Knowles, Sept. 

27, 1!>1S 
Col. W. H. Ourv. Sept. '27, 

1918 


Col. W. H. Oury, to Oet. 

12, 1918 
Col. A. C. Knowles, Oct. 

12-22, 1918 
Col. George Williams, fruni 

Oet. 23, 1918 


Col. George Williams, to 

Oct. 29, 1918 
Brig. Gen. E. M. Johnson, 

from Oct 29, 1918 


Brig. Gen. Ev. M. Johnson, 
Nov. 24, IS-Jan. 19, '19 
Feb. 23, '19-June 5, '19 

Col. Garrison McCaskey, 
Nov. 20-23, '18 
Jan. 20-Feb. 22, 1919 


Col. \. C. Knowles 


Maj. F. V. Llovd, Oct. 12- 
22, 1918 


Col. A. C. Knowles 


Col. A. C. Knowles 


Col. 0. J. Charles 
Lt. Col. n. L. Meador 


Lt. Col. R. L. Meador 
Col. George Williams 
.Maj. H. D. Parkin 


Col. Geo. Williams 

Lt. Col. G. E. Haedicke 


Col. G. McCaskev 

Lt. Col. G. E. Haedicke 


Maj. Stuart S. Janney 


Maj. Stuart S. Janney 
Maj. Samuel J. Taylor 


Maj. Samuel J. Taylor 


Maj. Samuel J. Taylor 


Capt. E. W. Madeira 


Capt. E. W. Madeira 


Capt. E. W. Madeira 


Capt. E. W. Madeira 


Capt. W. G. Huckel 


Capt. W. G. Huckel 


Capt. W. G. Huckel 


Capt. W. G. Huckel 


Maj. J. L. Evans 


Maj. J. L. Evans 


Maj. J. L. Evans 

Capt. John M. Bonbright 


Capt. J. M. Bonbright 
Maj. R. S. Muntorcl 


Lt. Col. J. F. Barber 


Col. J. F. Barber 


Col. J. F. Barber 


Col. J. F. Barber 


Lt. Col. J. F. Barber 
1st Lt. E. A. Hill 


Col. J. F. Barber 
1st Lt. E. A. Hill 


Col. J. F. Barber 
1st Lt. E. A. Hill 


Col. J. F. Barber 
1st Lt. E. A. Hill 


ISLij. 7,. H. Mitfliura 


Maj. Z. H. Mitchum 


Maj. Z. H. Mitchum 


Maj. A. Sperry 
Maj. — . Bagley 


Maj. E. Van Voorhees 


Maj. E. Van Voorhees 


Maj. E. Van Voorhees 


Maj. E. Van Voorhees 
Lt. Col. F. F. Burt 
Lt. Col. E. P. Walser 


Col. W. C. Rogers 


Maj. R. Van Hoevcnberg 


.Maj. R. Van Hoevenberg 


Maj. R. Van Hoevenberg 
Maj. J. W. Forney 


Maj. W. T. R. Price 


Maj. W. T. R. Price 


Maj. W. T. R. Price 


Maj. W. T. R. Price 


Lt. Col. J. M. Troutt 


Lt. Col. J. M. Troutt 


Lt. Col. J. M. Troutt 


Lt. Col. J. M. Troutt 

Lt. Col. R. B. Shackelford 

Lt. Col. Wm. A. Harris 



Brig. Gen. A. Hero, Jr. 


Brig. Gen. A. Hero, Jr. 


Brig. Gen. A. Hero, Jr. 


Brig. Gen. Aug. McInt\Te> 
Dec. 9, -18-Feb. 1, '19 
Brig. Gen. A. Hero, Jr. 


Col. H. L. Landers 


Col. H. L. Landers 


Col. H. L. Landers 


Col. H. L. Landers 


Lt. Col. C. G. Mortimer 


Col. C. G. Mortimer 


Col. C. G. Mortimer 


Col. C. G. Mortimer 


Col. H. P. Wilbur 


Col. H. P. Wilbur 


Col. H. P. Wilbur 


Col. H. P. Wilbur 



APPENDICES 



APPENDIX I 
THE ROLL OF HONOUR 

LEGEND 

* = Killed in Action 
t = Died of Wounds 
§ = Died of Disease or Other Causes 



"Now I am free to do, and give, and pay 

Not stinting one for other debts I owe. 
My debts were these: To smile with friendly show 

On all about, too close for other play; 
To say to all the nothings I could say. 

And miss the silence wliich my friends would know; 
To heed the clock that ticked me to and fro 

To ill-done tasks, long-drawn, diluting day. 

"But now I am come to a wide, free space 

Of easy breath, where my straight road doth lie; 
And all my debts are funded in this place 

To one debt, though the figures mount the sky. 
My debts are one, my foe before my face — 
I shall not mind the paying when I die." 

Written by Major William S. Manning, 316th Infantry, shortly before he was killed in action. 
November 5, 1918, on Hill 378. 

(379) 



380 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



DIVISION HEADQUARTERS, DIVISIONAL TRAINS, DETACHMENT 

OF MILITARY POLICE, 

* Killed in Action j Died of Wounds § Died of Disease or other causes 

OFFICERS 

Name and Ranli Organization Dale of Death 

§ Sec. Lieut. H.^rey J. J.\ck.son Division Headquarters March 15, 1919 

ENLISTED MEN 

§ Priv.\te John W. Carr Division Headquarters October Sfi, 1918 

§ Private Harry M. Miller Postoffice Detachment September 27, 1918 

§ Private Clifford W. Sylvester Headquarters Troop December .SO, 1918 

OFFICERS 

§ Captain John C. White Military Police October 23, 1918 

ENLISTED MEN 

§ Corporal Charles W. Be.\n Military Police ]March 3, 1919 

§ Private Edward S. Gross Military Police November 8, 1918 

§ Private Lester W. Johnston Military Police October 18, 1918 

§ Priv.^te 1st Class James J. Klima Military Police December 8, 1918 

* Private Joseph Kuhn, Jr Military Police September 29, 1918 

§ Private Harry J. Newkuhiet Military Police October 20, 1918 

§ Private 1st Class Samuel J. Payne Military Police February 2.5, 1919 

* Private 1st Class Charles F. Schaub Military Police November 4, 1918 

§ Private 1st Class Joseph A. Snyder Military Police October 16, 1918 

310th MACHINE-GUN BATTALION 

OFFICERS 
Name and Rank Company Date of Death 

t First Lieut. A. Brooks Lister October 7, 1918 

ENLISTED MEN 

§ Private Leboy Adams B March 21, 1919 

I Wagoner Gilbert A. Brown A November 8. 1918 

§ Private Wilbur F. Kistler A October 7, 1918 

* Private John W. Leary A November 5, 1918 

§ Corporal C. Russel Leitch B December 13, 1918 

§ Private Harry K. Lenhart B February 9, 1919 

t Sergeant Franklin A. Schall B November 7, 1918 

* Private First Class Paul G. Schoelkope A November 6, 1918 

* Private Samuel M. Shellenbergeb A Unkno^\Ti 

* Priv.\te First Cl.\ss Norman S. T.\ylor B November 6, 1918 

§ Private Robert Taylor A October 9, 1918 

* Private John F. Walsh D October 1, 1918 

* Private First Class John J. Williams A November (>, 1918 



313th INFANTRY 

Name and Rank Date of Death 

OFFICERS 

* RL\JOR Israel Putnam September 26, 1918 

f Major B. Franklin Pepper September 26, 1918 

§ Captain Melwn Moritz Augenstein October 9, 1918 

§ Captain Timothy L. Barber October 10, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



381 



Xuiiie and Rank Date of Death 

t Captain Harhy Ingersoll September 26, 1918 

t Captain Edward L. Killion December 7, 1918 

* Captain Charles G. Reilly October 1, 1918 

* Captain David Rupp 3rd October 1, 1918 

* First Lieutenant Thomas Kriebel September 28, 1918 

t First Lieutenant William P. McGoohan October 10, 1918 

* First Lieutenant F. Stuart Patterson September 20, 1918 

§ First Lieutenant Edward G. Royce September 15, 1918 

* First Lieutenant Da\id M. Rupp, 3hd September 29, 1918 

* First Lieutenant Wiluam J. H. Wattebs September 29, 1918 

* SEroND Lieutenant George M. Baker September 28, 1918 

t Second Lieutenant Willl\m E. Fraley September 27, 1918 

*Se( oND Lieutenant Thomas D. Vandiver September 26, 1918 

ENLISTED MEN 

yamc and Rank Company Date of Death 

t Corpor.\l Maurice L. Abbott G December 18, 1918 

* Private George E. Airey F September 26, 1918 

* Private Walter G. Albert C October 1, 1918 

§ Private James Alley G July 18, 1918 

§ Corporal Edgar B. Allison H September 6, 1918 

t Corporal Henry Alt, Jr L September 28, 1918 

§ Mechanic John T. Anderson D October 18, 1918 

* Private Charles H. Andrews M September 20, 1918 

t Private Harold R. Archer H September 29, 1918 

* Private Robert M. Armstrong Headquarters September 28, 1918 

t Private Everett F. Asbuhy G Novemlicr 10, 1918 

t Sergeant Robert B. Atkinson G October 28, 1918 

* Private Paul Astroy B 

t Corporal Seugman B. Austrain D October 1, 1918 

§ Corporal Charles A. Bacon D October 20, 1918 

t Private Wilbur F. Baldwin M October 13, 1918 

* Pri\ate Curtis F. Balthauser E Undetermined 

t Private Edgar L. Bandel B October 1. 1918 

§ Private William R. Barclay C September 19, 1918 

* Private Harry E. Barnhabt A September 27, 1918 

§ Private John J. Baum A September 19, 1918 

t Sergeant Frederick Bean C October 3, 1918 

* Private John B. Bean B September 27, 1918 

§ Private Alvy Benner D October 12, 1918 

* Private Philip R. Berfield G September 30, 1918 

* Private Frank Berger L October 4, 1918 

§ Private First Class John Bickel I November 20, 1918 

t Private First Class Edward L. Bidden I November 3, 1918 

* Private First Class Willum J. BiscoB Headquarters September 26, 1918 
§ Musician Raymond W. Boddeb Headquarters October 15, 1918 

* Sergeant Walter F. Bode F September 26, 1918 

* Private Thomas R. Bopst C November 1, 1918 

* Private Eric Bradley E November 5, 1918 

* Private Raymond A. Brandon F September 26, 1918 

* Private Henry A. Braunschweiger K November 1, 1918 

* Mechanic Guy C. Brown E September 27, 1918 

* Private Crist R. Broadley • E 



382 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Name and Rank 
§ Private Malcolm B. Browxlee, Jr 

* Sergeant Lerot J. Brhff 

* Private Joseph Budd 

* Private Dolphus M. Bhrdette 

* Private First Cl.\ss Harry C. Burke 

* Private Charles R. Burkholber 

* Private John F. Butzner 

* Private Clemie Byrd 

§ Private Lawrence F. Callahan 

t Private Arthur Cammarata 

* Corporal Walter E. Campbell 

* Private James F. Caret 

* Private Victor S. Carlson 

* Private Frank J. Carney 

* Private John Carney 

t Corporal James L. Cahr 

* Corporal Thomas A. Cahr 

* Private Thomas Casher 

§ Private First Class John J. Chambers. . . 
§ Private Okey R. Chenoweth 

* Private Clarence Clevenger 

* Sergeant Charles R. Clubb 

* Private First Class Samuel B. Cohee. . . . 
t Private First Class Clarence H. Cole . . 

* Private Robert L. R. Cole 

t Private First Class George F. Coleman . 

t Private George L. Conley 

§ Sergeant James R. Conway 

* Pri%ate Thomas Cooper . 

* Private Edward H. Couchman 

* Private William L. Champion 

* Corporal Boyed Crandell 

* Private Domenico Crbno . . 

* Corporal Howard E. Crispens 

* Private First Class Michael F. Cullen. . 

* Private Joseph E. Cummings 

* Private First Cl.\ss Joseph S. Dashiell. . 
t Private Robert C. Dean 

* Private William J. Deans 

t Private John J. Deller 

* Private Maulden Dennis 

* Private Allen Dickey 

* Private Rodney E. Dixon 

* Private Charles J. Doerfler 

§ Private Frederick Domer 

t Private William T. Dorset 

* Private Henry E. Dowell 

§ Private First Class John W. Dunnock. . 

* Private William L. Dries 

* Private Antone Eberlein 

* Private Clarence E. Eccleston 

* Private First Class Fred A. Einschultz. 
§ Private Patrick E. Eliasson 



Company 


Dale of Death 


Machine-gun 


October 26, 1918 


D 


October 27, 191S 


L 


September 26, 1918 


H 


November 5, 1918 


L 


September 29, 1918 


F 


September 26, 1918 


I 


November 4, 1918 


E 


November 5, 1918 


I 


October 17, 1918 


H 


October 5, 1918 


C ^ 


September 30, 1918 


E 


September 26, 1918 


D 


September 27, 1918 


H 


November 5, 1918 


M 


September 26, 1918 


Headquarters 


October 15, 1918 


G 
F 
M 


September 30, 1918 


December 8, 1918 


G 


September 25, 1918 


D 


Undetermined 


E 


September 30, 1918 


E 


September 26, 1918 


F 


October 7, 1918 


E 


September 28, 1918 


E 


October 10, 1918 


E 


November 2, 1918 


F 


September 26, 1918 


F 


September 26, 1918 


E 


September 28, 1918 


D 


September 30, 1918 


D 


September 26, 1918 


E 


Septemlier 26, 1918 


M 


September 26, 1918 


H 


September 26, 1918 


L 


September 26, 1918 


D 


September 29, 1918 


I 


November 2, 1918 


nitary Detachment 


September 27, 1918 


L 


October 7, 1918 


F 


September 26, 1918 


Machine-gun 


September 26, 1918 


E 


September 22, 1918 


K 


September 26, 1918 


M 


September 22, 1918 


C V 


October 2, 1918 


C ^ 




A 


October 13, 1918 


C V 




Machine-gun 


September 26, 1918 


H 


September 26, 1918 


L 


September 26, 1918 


E 


September 2-4, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



383 



t 



Name and Rank 

Private Ernest W. Elliott 

Private W'illl\m L. Ellis 

Corporal Willi.\m H. England 

Private First Class Orem R. Engle. . . . 
Private First Class Ellis Eskowitz. . . . 

Sergeant John R. Fairgrieve 

Private Charles A. Farr 

Private Daniel Fields, Jr 

Phi\'ate Abelo Fiore 

Private Glenn Ford 

Private First Class Charles W. Fisher. 

Private Howard M. Fisher 

Private William McK. Fleming 

Private William J. Foreman 

Private Aberjun F. Foreman 

Sergeant Harry E. Forrest 

Private Rudolph E. Franz 

Bugler John E. Fuchs 

Private Anthont A. Callo 

Private Jacob Gerenk 

Private Howard H. Gilbert 

Private Harry J. Gillespie 

Private Isador Goldberg 

Private Francis R. Gollery 

Private Cornelius A. Goodman 

Corporal Wilbur E. Gr.\ham 

Private W' illiasi A. Graham 

Private Thomas G. Grail 

Private First Class James H. Granger. . 

Private Thomas H. Gray 

Private Samuel A. Green 

Private George William Griggs 

Corporal George E. Grill 

Private Biaggio Grillo 

Private Austin L. Grove 

Private Henry N. J. Guntheh 

Private Mateusze Gauzdz 

Private Joseph Haas 

Private Lloyd H. Hals 



Company 


Date of Death 


A 


October 31, 1918 


G 




F 


October 8, 1918 


G 


September 29, 1918 


C 


September 30, 1918 


H 


October 15, 1918 


F 


December 24, 1918 


H 


October 6, 1918 


B 

I 
G 


September 29, 1918 


November 5, 1918 


E 


September 28, 1918 


H 


July 18, 1918 


C 




C 




I 
I 
F 


September 26, 1918 


September 26, 1918 


I 


November 2, 1918 


E 


September 27, 1918 


C 


September 28, 1918 


A 


November 15, 1918 


M 


September 26, 1918 


E 


October 15, 1918 


C 


November 4, 1918 


L 


September 28, 1918 


M 


September 26, 1918 


Machine-gun 


October 4, 1918 


A 


September 29, 1918 


A 


September 22, 1918 


B 




I 


February 7, 1919 


K 


September 26, 1918 


B 


September 26, 1918 


Headquarters 


September 28, 1918 


A 


November 11, 1918 


E 


October 1, 1918 


K 


September 22, 1918 


L 





Private First Class Herman F. Handy Headquarters 

Private Grover L. Hann B 

Private Raymond M. Harden 1 

Private Alfred D. Harmer E 

Private Ch arner Lee H.\rp Quartermaster 

Mechanic James F. Harper Machine-gun 



t 



Private Robert W. Hassler 

Private First Class Afam Hartman, Jr . 

Private John C. Hough 

Private Henry K. Heller 

Private William W. Henderson 

Corporal Raytviond L. Hesson 

Corporal Joseph L. Hibbitts 

Sergeant Charles C. Hill 

Private William C. Hill 



D 
D 
F 
H 
I 
Headquarters 
L 
D 
I 



September 28, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
February 12, 1918 
July 18, 1918 
November 12, 1918 
September 29, 1918 

October 15, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 6, 1918 
October 6, 1918 
September 28. 1918 
January 26, 1918 
September 30, 1918 



384 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Xante and Rank Company 

* Private Joux J. Hikes B 

* Private Beaufort Hoen H 

* Corporal John L. Hoffman L 

§ Private John K. Hornung C ' 

* Private George Horst B 

* Prh'ate Clinton A. Hose Machine-gun 

? Private Earl B. Howard A 

* Corporal Raymond C. Hexter C ' 

§ Private Edward A. Huber B 

* Private First Class Charles C. Hudson Headquarters 

§ Private John A. Hughey A 

t Private William E. Hyland G 

* Private Herbert A. Ingram D 

* Private Abner W. Itnyre C i 

* Private Willis Jackson F 

* Private Nick Jannacone C '^ 

§ Private First Class Charles Jefferies A 

* Private Johannes A. Jensen F 

* Pri\"ate Ivar M. Johnson D 

* Private Emill Johnson F 

* Private First Class Clyde F. Jones A 

* Private William P. Johnson A 

* Private John R. Kaiser H 

* Private First Class Zadoc M. Katz I 

t Private Martin P. Kavanaugh H 

* Corporal Alvey D. Keenan L 

t Sergeant John Keenan K 

* Private First Class Roy O. Kelbahgh L 

* Corporal Earl G. Kelley F 

* Private Edward J. Kelly A 

t Private Harry H. Kelley B 

§ Private James M. Kelly H 

t Wagoner William Kelley Supply 

§ Private George G. Kemmerlet D 

* Private First Class Conor Kiper H 

* Private Ferdinand A. Klein K 

§ Private First Class Henry L. Kling D 

t Corporal Louis H. Koehler A 

* Private Francis X. Koerner F 

t Private Miichael Krapish D 

t Private Charles G. Kunzbrt H 

* Private Frank J. Kutcher Headquarters 

* Private William Herman Kutchman B 

* Private John H. Lambert F 

* Private First Class Samdel A. Lanabd A 

* Private John H. Lang L 

* Private George H. Lebowski M 

t Private Willlvm Leddin A 

* Private James C. LEoi^qo E 

t Sergeant Max F. Lehman G 

* Private Charles Conrad Lerner G 

* Private Raymond G. Lewtn E 

* Corporal Guy P. Liller E 



Date of 
November 
November 
September 
September 
September 
September 
September 
September 
October 6, 

November 
October 10^ 
September 
October 13. 
September 
September 
October 8, 
September 
September 



Death 
7, 1918 
5, 1918 

27, 1918 
20, 1918 

29, 1918 

28, 1918 
28, 1918 

28, 1918 
1918 

20, 1918 

1918 
26, 1918 

1918 
26, 1918 

30, 1918 
1918 
30, 1918 

29, 1918 



October 4, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
Noveml)or 8, 1918 
November 6, 1918 

October 11, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
October 28, 1918 
September 26, 1918 

October 20, 1918 
March 19, 1918 
November 13, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 30, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 22, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November i 1918 
September 28, 1918 

September 28, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
October 12, 1918 
November 5, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



385 



Name and Rank Company 

* Private Leo J. Lipschutz K 

* Private David E. Long B 

* Private Miles F. Lorexsen L 

§ Private William G. Louther M 

* Prhate Aaron M. Lowenstein Headquarters 

* Private John Lubatti F 

* Private First Class James C. Ledwig E 

t Private William Luneberg B 

§ Private Martin L. Lutz C " 

* Private First Class Elmer A. McAuley F 

§ Private Edg.vh J. McCarthy K 

t Corporal Alex.\nder H. McCuntock C • 

* Private First Cl.\ss John H. McCoy C ' 

* Corporal Bernard J. McIntyre K 

t Private John T. McKee L 

* Prhate Fihst Class Howard K. McKenzie E 

§ Private Patrick McNally D 

* Private Andrew J. McVeigh A 

* Corporal Samuel A. Macatel G 

t Private Arthur Madden F 

§ Private William G. M.uora G 

§ Private Arthur T. Mall,\tt B 

t Private Henry C. March B 

* Private First Class Casimer Marcinkiewicz G 

* Private Rocco M.uiiANi M 

§ Private William N. AL\rquess C ^ 

* Private Ernest Martin M 

* Sergeant John E. Martln M 

t Private Pas(!uale Maruceio I 

* Private Joseph F. Mathis F 

* Private Emiijo Mattio H 

* Private Alpord R. Mattingly F 

* Private Michael J. Maxwell E 

§ Private John A. Meuring I 

* Private John A. Merryman K 

* Private Russell K. Messigk H 

* Private August Mich a D 

* Private First Class David Miller L 

§ Private Frederick W. A. Miller M 

* Private Wm. R. Miller L 

* Private Joseph L. Moore D 

* Corporal Harry B. Moran D 

* Private First Class Donald A. Morgan M 

* Private Felix Morris G 

* First Sergeant Isaac Morris C ^ 

* Private Lawrence A. Motes L 

* Private Thomas A. Moylan B 

* Private James C. Mulcrone F 

* Corporal W. William Murphy B 

§ Private Charles T. Myers G 

* Private Isadore Nageyman M 

§ Peivatb Thomas G. Nance E 

* Private Levi T. Naylor B 

* Private George E. Nehbr H 



Du'e nf Death 
September 30, 1!)18 
September -16, I'JIS 

February C, 1918 
November 1, 1918 



September 

October 14 

September 

October •33, 

October j, 

October 12 

September 

September 

October 1, 

September 

October iH 

September 

September 

October 5, 

October 7, 

November 

November 

November 

September 

September 

September 

September 

September 

Septeml)er 

September 



x'9. 19 IS 
, 191S 
17, 1918 

1918 
1918 
, 1918 
2(!, 1918 
2ti, 1918 
1918 
■27, 1918 
, 1918 
20, 1918 
30, 1918 
1918 
1918 
12, 1918 
0, 1918 
9, 1918 
2(i, 1918 
11, 1918 

26, 1918 
20, 1918 
30, 1918 
29, 1918 

27, 1918 



Septeraljer 28, 1918 
October 5, 1918 
September 2(i, 1918 
September 20, 1918 

September 20, 1918 
September 23, 1918 

October 20, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 3, 1918 

November 9, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 20, 1918 
January 10, 1919 
September 26, 1918 
November 12, 1918 
September 20, 1918 
September 20, 1918 



386 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Name and Rank Company 

* Private First Class George Neisbb L 

t Private Edward Nelis Machine-gun 

t Private John E. Nieter K 

* Private George Nikolaon M 

t Private First Class Stephen J. Nograpski A 

* Private Samuel Novagradskt B 

* Private Jambs Nudo K 

t Prhate Leo I. Nuedling K 

* Private Harry O'Donnell F 

§ Private William R. O'Donnell M 

t Corporal Timothy A. O'Leary H 

* Private Gustave E. Olson D 

* Corporal John B. O'Melia C 

t Corporal Walter H. Ostrowski B 

* Private Paul Ostroy B 

t Private Antonio Panciocco M 

* Private Guiseppe Papa C ^ 

* Private Edwin C. Pearson A 

§ Private Edgar N. Pennock I 

§ Private Arthur W. Pfeffer Headquarters 

* Private First Class Otto C. Phillips E 

* Private Jerry O. Picha E 

* Private Henry Platt A 

* Private Adolf Plucinski C ' 

* Private William C. Pierce F 

* Private Frederick W. Prettyman B 

* Private Edward M. Pobletts L 

* Private George S. Price B 

* Private Joseph W. Provabd D 

* Corporal Charles S. Pyle G 

* Private Christoforo Quinto B 

t Private Felix S. Rab D 

§ Private Michele Raspa D 

* Corporal Henry J. C. Rechnbr B 

* Pri\ate Emons H. Reed H 

t Private Antonio Rcgguto M 

* Sergeant George E. Reich B 

* Prrate Frederick Reichert Headquarters 

§ Private Charles E. Reid C v. 

t Private First Class William L. Reilley P 

* Private Emanuel Rest L 

t Sergeant William P. Reilley I 

* Private Frank Richard H 

* Mechanic Julius F. Richter H 

* Corporal Thomas A. Rick:er H 

§ Private Michael J. Riordan E 

t Prfvate First Class August H. Rittmiller F 

* Private Frank Rivenburgh B 

* Private Elmer J. Rivers L 

* Private Emmett L. Roberts P 

* Mechanic Martin M. Roberts B 

* Private Joseph A. Roche B 

t Private Oscar E. Rodman Machine-gun 

* Private First Class Joseph A. Rodrigues I 



Dale of Death 

November 4, 1918 
September 29, 1918 

November 1, 1918 



November 

October 7, 

October 1, 

November 

September 

November 

September 

October 17, 

November 

November 



1, 1918 

1918 
1918 

25, 1918 
30, 1918 
7, 1918 

26, 1918 
1918 

3, 1918 
17, 1918 



September 22, 1918 
October 5, 1918 
October 18, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 30, 1918 

September 26, 1918 

September 28, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 16, 1918 
September 2, 1918 
September 27, 1918 

October 2, 1918 
November 9, 1918 

September 21, 1918 
November 14, 1918 

September 28, 1918 

September 26, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 24, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 27, 1918 

September 26, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 30, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



387 



Xamc and Rank- Company 

t Phivate First Class Habht H. Roehner K 

* Sergeant Walter J. Rogers L 

t Private Henry C. Rohlfing D 

t Private Raymond E. Ross G 

' Pri\ate Christopher T. Rourke H 

t Private William Rubanow D 

* Private David Rudolph B 

t PrI\ ATE ISIDOR RCDOY M 

* Prhate Harry Ruehl Headquarters 

* Sergeant Frederick H. Rumenap M 

* Private Thomas Russell M 

* Mess Sergeant John A. Ryan Machine-gun 

* Private Timothy R. Ryan E 

* Private Joseph St. Germain M 

§ Private First Class Joseph A. StLeger H 

* Prhate First Class Stamatios Sakellarides . ... M 

* Pri\ate Samuel Salton M 

* Sergeant Adolfo Salvadobi L 

* Pri\ate Jose Santacroce I 

* Corporal Thomas C. Sard G 

* Private Samuel Schless D 

* Private Harry A. Schleuter A 

* Corporal August T. Schultz M 

§ Private Arthur P. Schultz M 

* Private Henry Sc humacher H 

* Private Charles F. Scott E 

§ Mechanic James Shaffer H 

* Sergeant William P. Shamleffer C k 

t Private Charley E. Shannon B 

* Private Arraham E. Shapiro F 

* Pri\ate Eli M. Shapiro F 

t Bugler Edwin A. Shaw B 

* Private Walter A. Shaw B 

§ Private Murray A. Sherbert C '- 

* Corporal Willi.\m E. Sheridan B 

t Private First Cl.\ss George P. Sherwood F 

§ Private Horace E. Shupard Machine-gun 

* Private Abraham Skeer E 

* Corporal AVilliam J. Schlicher M 

* Private Harold Louis Slocum A 

§ Private Charles M. Smith M 

* Private Ernest E. Smith F 

* Private Fir.st Class Frank Smith L 

* Corporal John C. Smith H 

t Private Peter Smith G 

* Private Robert J. Smith I 

t Private Walter Smith D 

* Private First Cl.\ss Verl E. C. Snider Sanitary Detachment 

t Private Harvey C. Sniffen I 

* Private Henry E. Sny'der H 

t Private Witold M. Sokolowsky L 

t Pnn'ATE Curtis Southern C " 

* Private Cl.\rence Stakslager D 

* Private Salvatore Stagno H 



Dale of Death 
September 29, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
December 8, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
October 30, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
.September 30, 1918 
September 20, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
-September 29, 1918 
.September 26, 1918 
October 17, 1918 
September 26, 1918 

October 13, 1918 



September 
September 
September 
September 
September 
November 
Septemlier 
October 3, 
September 
November 
September 
September 
October 21 
September 
September 
October 1, 
November 
October 7, 



30, 1918 
26, 1918 

28, 1918 
26, 1918 
23, 1918 

5, 1918 
26, 1918 
1918 
.'30, 1918 
10, 1918 

29, 1918 

30, 1918 
1918 

26, 1918 
19. 1918 
1918 

6, 1918 
1918 



September 26, 1918 
January 13, 1919 
October i, 1918 



September 28, 1918 
November 9, 1918 

September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
March 21, 1919 
.September 26. 1918 
October 13, 1918 
November 11, 1918 

September 26, 1918 



388 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Xame and Rank Company 

f Phi\ ATE Irving L. Stallings C i- 

* Private Agostixa Strazza H 

* Corporal William C. Stanton G 

t Private Feed W. Stark 15 

* Private Maynard W. Stevens Headquarters 

* Corporal Edgar G. Stewart L 

f Private Edward A. Stocksdale, Jr B 

* Private Agostixo Strazza Headquarters 

* Mechanic John J. Strehlen A 

§ Private Charles R. Stull D 

t Private Stephen T. Sullivan H 

* Private Harry H. Sunderland C 

§ Private William B. Sunderland I 

§ Corporal Adam H. Suttmeier I 

t Private Henry V. Talbert D 

§ Private Imocenze Tarentellok E 

* Sergeant Albert C. Taylor A 

* Private .Vmos R. Taylor M 

* Pnn'ATE Charles Thompson C : 

t Private Henry Thompson B 

* Private LeRoy F. Thompson H 

* Private Or\ille W. Thompson B 

t Private Albert T. Tighe D 

§ Pri\"ate Robert X. Tilghman E 

t Private Henry' E. Tirschman K 

* Private First Class Roland E. Todd Headquarters 

§ Private First Class Howard L. Townsley G 

§ Private Xick Troudt C ^ 

t Mess Sergeant Joseph F. Tully A 

f Private Angelo Tl-rchl4no C • 

§ Private William TtiRNBACit : ...... . B 

§ Cook Elzie E. Turner I 

t Private Earl H. Tyreb C 

* Private First Cl.\ss Christian G. Ulrich M 

§ Private Morris Van Vliet F 

* Private Daniel L. Van Mater M 

t Private Alfred Vannata L 

§ Private Anthony Vidziunas L 

t Corporal Jeremias J. Visser E 

§ Private First Class Joseph Voegelein E 

t Private First Ci^vss Joseph Wade H 

* Private MAUTiicE G. Walsh H 

* Corporal Harry D. Wantland H 

§ Private William A. Warner D 

* Private Adolph Warns E 

§ Private Joseph Weber K 

t Private Joseph H. Weber E 

§ Private Wilui.ui E. Welch M 

* Private William N. Weller D 

t Private Andrew J. Wells H 

* Private Walter Wells E 

* Private William Wend E 

* Private Lewis E. Wenzel E 

* Private George Weyukeh C 



Dale of Death 
Octolier 1, 1918 

October 12, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
September 2G, 1918 
September 18, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
September -26, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 12, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
February 11, 1919 
October 17, 1918 
October 6, 1918 
October 15, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
October 20, 1918 
September 26, 1918 

November 9, 1918 
October-26, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
October 16, 1918 
November 30, 1918 
November 15, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
October 17, 1918 
October 17, 1918 
Octolier 1, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
February 10, 1919 
October 2, 1918 
October 19, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
September 25, 1918 
September 22, 1918 
October 3, 1918 
September 27, 1918 

October i, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
September 30, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



389 



<;-'T 



Name ami Hank Company Dale of Death 

* Pitn ATE First Ci-\ss Ai.mn G. White F Septemlicr '26. 1918 

? PmvATE Chas. W. Wintekung K 

* Private Robert K. White D November !), 1918 

t Corporal Frank C. Wiiit.more B September 29, 1918 

§ Private Arthur Wiley C : September 2-4, 1918 

* Corporal Joseph M. Wilkinson' E September 29, 1918 

§ Pun ate a ere W . Wine Headquarters October 5, 1918 

t Private Herman Winter C November 7, 1918 

§ Pria ate First Class Artiii h B. Wise E February 18, 1919 

§ Private Irving Wishnew D Octolier 18, 1918 

* Private Bronislaw ^^'oLUK.iNIS u C ^ September 30, 1918 

* Private Lester Woodruff G November 7, 1918 

* Private First Cl.\ss Daniel Wosilesky G 

* Private Vaughn C. Wyatt H November 5, 1918 

* Private John F. Yeager I 

* Mechanic Henry Lebelein K 

§ Private Harry Man Zimmerman Headquarters October (i. 1918 

t Pri\ ATE Herbert A. Zittinger Machine-gun Seiitember 27, 1918 

§ Pri\ ate William Zoeller L December 22, 1918 

* Pnn-ATE Julius Zoliga . */" C September 30, 1918 

314th infantry 

OFFICERS 

Name and Hank Date of Death 

* Major Alfred R. Allen 1st bn September 30, 1918 

* Captain Frank F. Battles m. g November 10, 1918 

t Captain Clarexie P. Freeman m September 30, 1918 

* First Lieutenant Harold F. Fly'NN L November 9, 1918 

* First Lieutenant Ballard C. Lynch mbd Septcmlier 29, 1918 

t First Lieutenant Mathew F. Olstein med October 1, 1918 

* Second Lieutenant Clifford McK. Alexander . . . . l Septeml)er 27, 1918 

* Second Lieutenant E. Thorp VanDusen M. c September 30, 1918 

ENLISTED MEN 

Xame and Rank Company Date of Death 

* Frivatf GABRtEL L. Adams M September 28, 1918 

§ Private Asahel Albee E October 17, 1918 

* Private George H. Albus L November 8, 1918 

f Private First Cl.\ss Stanley Andresic C October 17, 1918 

§ Private Howard Ashbridge C December 30, 1918 

§ Private H.\rry L. Aurndt C October 27, 1918 

* Private Lewis E. Babcock M Septemljer 26, 1918 

t Private Charles W. Baer F October 31, 1918 

* Private Arthur E. Baldenweck Headquarters Noveniber 3, 1918 

§ Private Joseph T. Baril G October 18, 1918 

* Private HL^rry F. Barrett M September 30, 1918 

t Private First Class Joseph G. Bauer K September 29, 1918 

§ Private Victor E. Bauer E August 2, 1918 

* Private Joseph R. Bechdel H November 10, 1918 

t Private H^rry C. Bechtel M November 27, 1918 

I Private Howard E. Beiseigel A November 2, 1918 

§ Private Ralph Benner Medical Detachment April 26, 1919 



7 -> ^ 



390 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



t 



t 



t 



t 



Name and Rank Company 

Sergeant Luther C. Billig E 

Private Axel E. Bjorklund F 

Private Joseph J. Bolser L 

Wagoner DA\aD F. Bordner Supply Company 

Private Nelson Branson Machine-gun 

Private Chester U. Brion Headquarters 

Private Thomas M. Briscoe C 

Sergeant Lee A. Brooks G 

Private Charles M. Brophy Supply 

Private Theodore Brdkett I 

Private Leo Bullard Headquarters 

Private Cl.\rence E. Bust K 

Private Darrell W. Byerly B 

Private Summie Carrell M 

Private Joseph E. Castro G 

Private First Ckiss Saverio Calvaresi G 

Private George G. Cal^^ert H 

Private Ardunio Cecc acci L 

Private Vincenzo Cericol.^ G 

Private Thomas H. Clapham F 

Private Harley Philip Chase E 

Private Villari Comello M 

Sergeant James F. Connolly F 

Sergeant Carl L. Coolidge B 

Prh'ate First Class Alfred J. Cote B 

Private John E. Cothran A 

Corporal Clinton Charles C. Cotner Machine-gun 

Private Samuel M. Cottrell I 

Corporal Francis A. Coughlin M 

Private Paul F. Craig A 

Corporal Dowd W. Crawford G 

Corporal Charles J. Cris\vell M 

Pri\ate Henry J. Cronan L 

Private Rulief V. Curley H 

Private Williaji H. Cutting D 

Private Lloyd C. Davis L 

Private William T. Davis A 

Corporal Joseph P. Dearie B 

Private Allen O. Delke I 

Private Giovanni Delpaggio H 

Corporal Charles G. Devoe G 

Sergeant Brewster A. Dibble G 

Private Charles A. Dick Machine-gun 

Private Franco Di Girolamo M 

Private James Dillon I 

Private Donato Dimarco B 

Private Demetrus Dionne G 

Private Joseph A. Dionne G 

Private First Cl,\ss William M. Dekon M 

PhH'ate Sampson D. Dodrill G 

Private John Dowling G 

Private George J. Druding G 

Private Peter Ducharme K 

Private Ir\'i.v Ebling E 



Date of Death 
October 10, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
September 11, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 25, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
January 4, 1919 
September 0, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
January 15, 1919 
September 26, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
January 18, 1919 
November 3, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
Undetermined 
October 11, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
August 9, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
December 12, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 5, 1918 
September 20, 1918 
January 10, 1919 
November 1, 1918 
November 1. 1918 
November 2, 191H 
October S, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
February 5. 1919 
September 28, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
January 14, 1919 
September 28, 1918 
November 24. 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 20, 1918 
September 26, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



:59i 



Name and Rank Covipany 

* Private First Cl.\ss Clarenxe A. EcK H 

* Private Harold Guy Edwards Machine-t;iin 

§ Private George Elliott E 

* Prhate William A. Ernst I 

* Prhate First Class Charles A. Escandel D 

* Pri\ ate Daxiel J. Falvet E 

§ Private Frederick M. Farrell C 

* Sergeant Thomas J. Fearn, Jr K 

* Corporal Carl A. Fenner H 

* Private First Class Clarence P. Ferguson A 

§ Private Tally L. Floyd K 

* Private John W. Force H 

* Private William C. Foreaker C 

* Private Joseph P. Foster A 

* Private First Class Nevin K. Fisher Macliine-gim 

t Private Cecil Follett I 

§ Private Leo L. Fontaine F 

t Private John James Foley E 

t Private Myron S. Fox B 

t Private Thomas Fox B 

t Private Andrea Frasca E 

§ Private Henry S. Fromm L 

t Pri\ate Howard M. Fye H 

* Private Mario Galli D 

§ Pri\ate Granville J. Gangawabe L 

* Corporal Elmer F. Gardner Machine-gun 

§ Sergeant Major Clinton H. Garrett Headqiiarter.s 

* Private First Class Edward E. Gery H 

* Private Michael Giano B 

§ Private Roy W. Gibson K 

* Private First Cl.\ss Noble H. Gilbert F 

* Private Joseph L. Ginley Medical Detachment 

§ PRI^'ATE Sil.\s L. Gittings M 

§ Wagoner Albert F. Godshalk Supply 

* Private Paul Goman H 

* Pri\ ate Walter C. Good M 

* Sergeant Max A. Greene H 

t Private Stanley Gusta\"E K 

* Corporal Chalres L. Guthrie G 

* Private Willum D. Hackenberg E 

* Wagoner Samuel W. Hackett Supply 

* Private Joseph E. Haines H 

t Private Francis Hannify M 

* Corporal William R. Hartman K 

t Private Gilbert C. Haupt M 

* Private William E. Haupt B 

* Private Ernest F. Hausser Sanitary Detachment 

* Private First Ci^\ss Nicholas W. Heery H 

* Corporal George F. Heim H 

§ Private Lewis W. Heintzelman D 

* Private Charles A. Henry M 

§ Private Elmer S. Hensel L 

* Bugler H.UiRY H Herlikofer F 

§ Prr'ate James P. Herron A 



Dale nf Denlh 
November 10, 1!)18 
November 10, 1918 
October io. 1918 
September 26. 1918 
November 10. 191S 
September '20. 1918 
December i. 1918 
Septeml)er 27, 1918 
November 10. 1918 
September 27, 1918 
December 2G, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
September 26, 191S 
Novemlier 10, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
Novemljer 9, 1918 
October 15, 1918 
November 7. 1918 
November 12, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
October 15, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
October H. 1918 
January 19, 1919 
Novemlier 5, 1918 
TIn(ietermin(Mi 
November 5, 1918 
November 1. 1918 
September 15. 1918 
September 27. 1918 
Septemlter .'SO. 1918 
Marcli 27, 1919 
October 9, 1918 
Septemlier 27, 1918 
September :iO, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
Septem1)er 28, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
October 5, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
Novemlier 2, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
November 10. 1918 
October 24, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
January 12, 1919 
November 10. 1918 
October 15, 1918 



392 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



A'ame and Rank Company 

* Sergeant Eahl D. Hess P 

* Pri\ ATE Jefferis Higgins G 

* Corporal Everett Hogoboom M 

* Pehate Wayne R. Hobtox I 

* First Sergeant W. Hoiigham A 

* Sergeant Clarence Saiil-el Ruling E 

* Private Frederick Hull K 

t Pri\ ate Thomas J. HfSTOX Headquarters 

§ Corporal Ottus D. Jackson A 

* Private First Cl-\ss Alfred Jones F 

Private First C'l.\ss Elwood J. Jones D 

§ PflnATE Lester Jones E 

* Private Stanley L. Jones P 

* Private Paul A. Jordan A 

* Private James E. Keeg.an B 

* Private George D. Keiseb K 

* Private Francis Kelley Machine-gun 

§ Prhate First Cl.\ss Thomas E. Kelley C 

* Prhate William A. Kelly L 

* Private John R. Kemery C 

t Private Laird E. Kern F 

§ Pri\'ate Johx Z. Kettery G 

* Private George J. Kalivay C 

§ Private George Kareha K 

t Private First Class Claude R. Knauss K 

t Private Raymond H. Koch I 

Pri\ ATE Michael Koshock L 

* Corporal Herbert Kreps • I 

t Private Harry F. Lackhove F 

* Private Harold D. Laxdis C 

* Phi\'ate William H. Laxier C 

* Private First Class Da^id H. Lauck H 

* Pri\ate First Cl.\ss Howard E. Laughlin H 

Private John G. Lawson Machine-gun 

* Private First Class Augustus Michael Leonard... E 
t Prix ATE Peter J. Leonard H 

* Private Erman E. Lepley E 

* Pri\ ate Walter Leshock L 

* Pri\"ate Anthony J. Le\a I 

t Sergeant Irxixg Lixdemuth Headquarters 

t Private Alex-vnder Lmaxiax L 

* Corporal Joseph W. Lorsoxg H 

t Pri\ate Silas S. Loder M 

§ Pri\-ate Sullivan Lowery K 

§ Pri\ ATE Simon H. Lucas H 

§ Prtxate .Steve Lutsick L 

* Private E\ erett L. Lyoxs Headquarters 

* Private Dearborn J. McAleer M 

* Private Edward M. McAvoy M 

* Sergeant John A. McCawley F 

t Prixate William McClaix A 

t Sergeaxt Raymoxd J. McCracken M 

* Private Francis L. McEll L 

* Private Charles N. McGee G 



Date of Death 
November 3, IfllS 
September 26, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
Undetermined 
October 12, 1918 
Xovember 7, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
October 19, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
October 16, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
October 23, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 16, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
October 3, 1918 
Septemlier 30, 1918 
November 2, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
Novemljer 1, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 2(1, 1918 
May 27, 1919 
September 28, 1918 
November 12, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November i, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
November 6, 8191 
November 4, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
January 1, 1919 
November 3, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
November 8, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



393 



Name and Rank Company 

* Private Benjamin E. McGehee M 

■§ Private James McGloke A L 

§ Private Joseph E. McGoldrick A 

§ Pri\ate Charles F. McKenna I 

* Private John McKenna G 

* Pri\ate Frederick N. McLaughlin G 

§ Private First Class John McLaughlin Machine-gun 

* Private Daniel L. McManamon K 

* Private First Class Hugh McMonagle F 

§ Prh ate Edward F. McShane M 

§ Prixate Ransom Marcum A 

t Pkh ATE Clyde J. Marks I 

* Pri\ ATE John Martixkus I 

t Prh'ate William Mattson D 

* Wagoner George B. May Supply 

§ Prhate Joseph Meglio C 

* Private First Class Mac C. Merrifield Machine-gun 

§ Private Jacob Anthony Meyer M 

* Prix' ate Xicuolas INLvzzanotte A 

§ Private Vivcenti Mif helucce L 

t Pri\ ate Antonio Milewski I 

* Private Harry- D- Miller G 

t Private John H. Miller M 

* Private Luther D. Miller H 

* Private Joseph Miraldo L 

* Private Joseph M. Miscannon M 

* Prhate James C. Mitchell Headquarters 

* Pri\ate Anthony J. Mitsko G 

* Private Harry W. Moone F 

* Pni\ ate Harry B. Moore H 

5 Corporal Walter E. Motiska K 

§ Private George H. Moyeh F 

t Private Henry- S. Moyer L 

§ Corporal Earl B. Mohr K 

Private First Class Robert J. MuiR Headquarters 

* Private James Francis Mulholland K 

"* Private Charles K. Mull Headquarters 

* Corporal James J. Mullen K 

* Private John J. Murphy C 

§ Private George J. Neuber G 

* Private Amos R. Nields A 

* Sergeant Jacob Delbert Nipple G 

§ Private David S. Noble Headquarters 

t Prhate Joseph F. Noonan C 

t C(jRPORAL Walter G. Norton H 

* Prh ATE William L. Nunan M 

* Prhate First Class George W. Nye B 

* Private Mif hael F. O'Connell G 

* Prixate James P. O'Connor M 

* Private Austin F. O'Hare G 

§ Private Howard B. Olewiler H 

* Private Charles B. Oldham H 

* Corporal John T. Oliver H 

* Walter Opei D 



Dale of Death 
November 9. 1918 
SeptcmU-r '», 1918 
October 4, 1918 
September 10, 1918 
November 2, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
February 5, 1919 
September 28, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
January 20, 1919 
October 20, 1918 
November 18, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
Octolier 3, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
October 19, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 14, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
August 12, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
September 2G, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 25, 1918 
September 2G, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
September .'iO, 1918 
September 9, 1918 
October 4, 1918 
Octolier 18, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 2fi, 1918 
September 20, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
Novemlier 1, 1918 
June 17, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
November 2, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
October 16, 1918 
Undetermined 
November 10, 1918 
Undetermined (year 1921) 



394 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Name and Rank Company 

* Private Orbie F. Ore G 

* Private Clarence Page F 

* Sergeant Sydney M. Painter K 

t Private First Cl.\ss Sooren Paroonagian F 

§ Private First Cl.\ss Sylvester W. Patton H 

* Private Emery J. Pelkey K 

* Corporal Harold R. Peters G 

t Private Joseph Alfred Petitpas E 

* Private Nevin O. Phillips K 

* Private Frank E. Pickering G 

* Private First Class Philip Picot A 

* Private William Pierce, Jr K 

t Private Joseph Polkowski K 

* Private William I. Priddy C 

§ Private Samuel Pupa B 

§ Pri\'ate Peter Pusepski B 

t Private Adhemar Quillette H 

§ Sergeant Thomas J. Quinn A 

* Corporal Russell Raker Supply 

§ Private Samuel Ratz Supply 

* Private William L. Reardon K 

* Private Emmett H. Rhodes B 

* Pri\ate Chester E. Riley G 

* Bugler George McC. Robinson G 

* Private Lloyd A. Rotiiermel C 

t Private Raymond E. Rowan G 

§ Private Sherman I. Rowe E 

* Private Willard B. Ruess L 

t Private AVilliam G. Ruth L 

* Private George L. Saltonstall B 

* Private Samuel Sandler C 

§ Private Clayton F. Saunders M 

§ Private Horace Schaffer D 

t Private Howard S. Schappell H 

t Private John E. Schleig M 

* Private Philip A. Schneider F 

* Private August C. Schuler F 

§ Private George H. Sechrist H 

t Private Sterling W. Seitz A 

* Private Irwin Sell L 

§ Private Peter Seneski H 

* Private Samuel Schachtmaister E 

* Private Charles E. Shade F 

* Private Lewis E. Shaffer I 

* Private Martin N. Shank Headquarters 

* Corporal Phillip S. Sharp K 

§ Private Virgil A. Sherrill Headquarters 

* Private Emil F. Shickle K 

* Corporal John Shimko G 

* Sergeant Eldridge H. Shoup I 

§ Private Henry F. Shurer C 

* Private Max Silver K 

* Private First Class John C. Simpson H 

* Corporal William W. Sipler G 



Date of Death 
November 8, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
Octol)er 8, 1918 
October 17, 1918 
Septemlier 28, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 12, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
February 26, 1919 
October 19, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
Octolier 19, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
October 4, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
August 1-t. 1918 
October 16, 1918 
Novemlier 13, 1918 
October 4. 1918 
November 11, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
October 12, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
November 20, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 2, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
September 27, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



;}95 



Xame and Rank Company 

8 Corpora!. Fred D. Skiff C 

S Corporal Charles Skubic I 

Private Morris Slup I 

Corporal Alfred P. Smalley, Jr Machine-gun 

§ Private Charles Smith M 

Corporal David T. Smith E 

t Pri\ate James Smith Macliine-gun 

§ Private Shermax L. Smith I 

* Sergeant LeRoy J. Sodan 1 

* Private First Class Louis Sofianos M 

* Private Arthub Sortet G 

* Pri\ate Ralph G. Spaide E 

* Private Henry H. Sprenkle E 

* Corporal Joseph E. Stanton K 

* Private Christos H. Stavris G 

t Private Fred Stone Headquarters 

* First Sergeant Peter Strucel L 

* Private Joseph M. Stickell K 

§ Marshall Stoddart K 

* Sergeant John C. Strider I 

t Private William H. Sullivan I 

* Private Clarence F. Surprise G 

* Pri\ate Joseph F. Sweeney K 

* Prhate Wladislaw Szadziewicz E 

t Private Joseph P. Szedlock Medical Detaclinient 

* Private Clifford Esmond Tabor Sanitary Detachment 

* Private First Cl.\ss Michael Tamboeella I 

t Private William F. Taylor H 

* Mechanic John L. Theobold K 

* Corporal Roy Thomas B 

* Private Roy A. Thomas M 

* Corporal Joseph F. Thompson I 

* Prhate Reider Thompson C 

§ Private Xazzareno Ticconi E 

* Private Domexico Tortora B 

* Sergeant Charles Trapp Machine-gun 

t Private I'^rank J. Turner M 

* Private George A. Ttthner B 

* Private Herbert Tweedale L 

§ Private Luigi Varanese C 

* Sergeant Michael C. Ventura D 

§ Private Giovanni Vislettei K 

* Private Leonidas Vlachos Headquarters 

* Private Anthony Vottero M 

* Sergeant Reginald E. Vought F 

* Private John F. Walter M 

§ Corporal Richard J. Walters K 

§ Private Harry J. Warmkbssel D 

* Private Charles F. Weber F 

§ Private Harleigh I. Weil F 

* Private Gurney F. Weist G 

§ Private Eagle Don White E 

§ Private George L. Whorf A 

t Private Harry J. Williams H 



Date of Death 
Octolier 6, 1918 
September 8, 1918 
September 3fl, 1918 
Novemlier 5. 1918 
Oetol)er 3, 1918 
September id, 1918 
Xovcniber 11, 1918 
September 8, 1918 
November 2, 1918 
September '26, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
Noveml)er 7, 1018 
September 'J9, 1918 
September -Hi. 1918 
November S, 1918 
October 3, 1918 
September -26, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
February 9, 19^1 
September 30. 1918 
September 29, 1918 
Undetermined 
November 1, 1918 
September '2(1, 1918 
October 12. 1918 
September 29, 1918 
Novcmlier 10, 1918 
October 3. 1918 
November 9, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
Septcml)er 29. 1918 
September 29. 1918 
September .30. 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 1.), 1918 
November 10, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
Octol)er 14, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 15, 1918 
Noveml)er 10. 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
September 13, 1918 
October 20, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
October 15, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
October 21, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
October 14, 1918 



396 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



* Sergeant John S. Winner 

t Private Allen H. Winter 

* Corporal Murven R. Yaudes 

t Private Wesley Yeager 

* Private Alphonse Yelle 

* Private Charles O. Y'oder 

* Private John F. Zablosket 

* Prh-ate Samuel Zele 

§ Private First Class Victor A. Zengerl. 

* Private Donato Zerillo 

§ Private Frank J. Zewiskey 

* PiiiVATE George W. Zimmerman 

* Private Paul Zinder 



Machine- 


■gun 


November 11, 1918 


Headqua 


rters 


October 2, 1918 


B 




November 1, 1918 


G 




November 26, 1918 


G 




November 10, 1918 


F 




September 23, 1918 


B 




November 1, 1918 


L 




November 7, 1918 


Headquarters 


October 1, 1918 


G 




September 26, 1918 


Machine 


gun 


February 6, 1919 


F 




November 10, 1918 


G 




September 27, 1918 



t 



t 



311th MACHINE-GUN BATTALION 

ENLISTED MEN 

Name and Eank Company 

Private Marshall S. Baker C 

Private Walter R, Blue B 

Private Sheridan C. Broadwater C 

Private John M. Clark B 

Private Sherman B. Custer C 

Corporal James A. Darrah D 

Private First Cl.\ss John E. Davies B 

Private John Dorn B 

Private First Class Hilbert A. Doyle C 

Corporal Fred C. Durbin D 

Private Russell B. Hartman A 

Private Charles L. Harvey C 

Private First Class Ernest F. Heintzelman B 

Private Wade H. Jackson C 

Private Louis P. Kahmer C 

Corporal Edwin J. Kellogg C 

Sergeant Thomas J. Kennedy ' B 

Private Frank T. Kowalchek B 

Private Bjarne E. Larsen C 

Private George J. Long D 

Private John T. McCoy B 

Private Fitst Class W'illiam J. Marsch C 

Sergeant Charles Monie A 

Prhate Harvey Montague C 

Private John K. Moutafes A 

Wagoner Ellery T. Phillips Headquarters 

Private First Class Eugene F. Riley B 

Sergeant Edward Rinus B 

Private Jerry T. Slonaker D 

Sergeant James L. Stork B 

Private George H. Timmerman C 

Pri\ ate First Class Earl Trimbley C 

Private Daniel Wosilesky G 

Private John C. Yingling A 

Private First Class John A. Younkin C 



Date of Death 
September 29, 1918 
October 29, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
February 19, 1919 
November 6, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
December 17, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
February 7, 1919 
September 16, 1918 
August 10, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
Septemlicr 3, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
August 14, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 12, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



397 



315th infantry 

OFFICERS 

Xniiic uiiii Rank Dale of Death 

* Majou Wahi) W. Piersox November 9, 1918 

* Captain Joseph G. Duncan, Jr September 39. 1918 

t First Lieutenant George N. Althouse September 29, 1918 

* First Lieutenant Benjamin Bullock, 3rd September 59, 1918 

* First Lieutenant William F. Craig September i6, 1918 

* First Lieutenant Edgar J. Eyler October 1, 1918 

* First Lieutenant Seth C. Hetherington September 28, 1918 

§ First Lieutenant Charles Hyde October 5. 1918 

t First Lieutenant Alfred L. Quintard SepteiuRer 29, 1918 

* First Lieutenant William A. Siieehan Septeralier 29, 1918 

* First Lieutenant Raitiiond P. Turn Septeml)er 2G. 1918 

t Second Lieutenant James F. Delany September 29, 1918 

* Second Lieutenant John T. 0\vens November 5, 1918 

* Second Lieutenant Herman D. Partsch September 30, 1918 

* Second Lieutenant Floyd S. Strosneider September 20, 1918 

ENLISTED MEN 

.\amc and Rank Company Date of Death 

* Pri\ate First Cl.vss Clarence J. Anderson E Novcmlier 5, 1918 

* Private Carl J. Albreciit F Septemlwr 28, 1918 

* Corporal David P. Anderson C October 1, 1918 

* Private Giovanni Angelillio L September 27, 1918 

* Bugler Edward L. Archer C November 5, 1918 

* Private Bernard Aspwell L September 27, 1918 

* Private Thomas W. Astbuhy K September 28, 1918 

* Phh'ate Walter Atwood H September 28, 1918 

* Corporal John Ay-re, Jr L November 4, 1918 

§ Corporal Howard C. Bainbridge B October 8, 1918 

* Private William Baltodozzis D November 5, 1918 

* Private Anthontt B.U!bozc\hicz A November 7, 1918 

t Prh'ate Reed Barnitz L October 14, 1918 

* Private First Cl-vss John A. Barron I September 28, 1918 

§ Corporal Blaine B. Barshinger B October 15, 1918 

* Private Charles H. Bates H September 29, 1918 

* Private Lloyd C. Baughman B September 29, 1918 

t Private Fred Baumeister D November 6, 1918 

* Corporal Louis R. Bbrkowitz L September 28, 1918 

* Private John F. Bishop C November 6, 1918 

* Sergeant George D. Blaney K November 5, 1918 

t Private Raymond Bolte I October 29, 1918 

* Private Theodore Borowski E November 7, 1918 

* Private John G. Boss K September 28, 1918 

t Private Bernard A. Boyle C November 24, 1918 

* Private Harry T. Boyle L September 28, 1918 

* Private Thomas T. Bray F September 26, 1918 

* Sergeant Leo Brazek F November 5, 1918 

§ Private James W. Brightbill Supply October 23, 1918 

* Private Arthur M. Brion B September 29, 1918 

* Private Theodore 0. Brown C November 7, 1918 

* Private First CL.tss Frederick W. Buchwald B September 28, 1918 

§ Private John J. Burke C October 19, 1918 



398 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Name and Rank 

t (oHPORAL Vincent Byrne 

§ Pkivate Lawkence F. Call.\hax 

* Pri\ate First Class Henry Cantavespi 

§ Private Edward J. Cantz 

* Private Carmine Capellupo 

t Wagoner Theodore Carro 

* Sergeant William H. Carroll 

* Private John Causox 

* Prhate Francis F. Carton 

* Pri\ate First Class Bernard J. Casey 

* Corporal John H. Castor 

§ Private Pietro Cerone 

* Private Joseph H. Cherry 

* Private Jan Citko 

t Private John J. Coen 

* Private Isaac Cohen 

* Private Albert Comjshker 

§ Private Angelo Consorte 

t Pri\ate First Class Peter J. Conway 

* Private Lee N. Cook 

§ Pri\ate Robert D. Cook 

* Private Frank W. Corbett 

* Wagoner W'iluam P. Cotter 

* Private Charles Coyle 

* Private Charles J. Coyle 

§ Pri\ate Joseph A. Coyle 

t Private Pantaleone Cramasta 

* Private Nicolo Crispi 

§ Private First Class Johx J. Crone 

* Corporal Esterino Angelo Crudele 

* Pri\ate Thomas J. Cullen 

* Prh'ate First Class Ormill S. Cummings. . . 

* Private First Class John J. Curran 

* Corporal Pasquale D'Amato 

§ Private Stiney Daniel 

* Corporal George Danig 

f Private William I. Deardorff 

* Private Guiseppe De Cellis 

* Private Russell T. Delker 

t Private Antonio Del Sordo 

§ Private Charles G. Dewees 

* Private David Diamond 

* Private Harry' F. Diamond 

t Private Giuseppe Di Benedetto 

* Private First Class Charles R. Diehl 

* Private George J. Dieterle 

* Private Benjamin F. Dietz 

* Private First Class Americo Di Pasquale. 
t Private George Duckett 

* Pri\"ate First Cl.\ss Reuben H. Duffel. . . , 

* Private First Class William H. Duke 

* Private Walter Durieu 

* Private Bryant M. Dolbow 

* Private First Class George M. Donahue. . 



Company 

A 

C 

D 

A 

A 

Supply 

Headquarters 

H 

D 

K 

M 

I 

C 

F 

E 

D 

K 

C 

G 

D 

C 

C 
Supply 

F 

K 

K 

G 

A 

A 

A 

L 

D 

D 

K 

G 

C 

A 

G 

K 

D 
Headquarters 

D 

E 

C 

D 

E 

F 

G 

D 

A 

K 

B 

A 

G 



Date of Death 
October 28, 1918 
October 17, 1918 
November 11. 1918 
October 13, 1918 
November i, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
February 22, 1919 
October 1, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
November 14, 1918 
November i, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
October 23, 1918 
October 9, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
Undetermined 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November o, 1918 
October 28, 1918 
Septemlier 2.5, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
October 19, 1918 
October 27, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 25. 1918 
Septemlier 26, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
May 17, 1919 
September 29, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
October 28, 1918 
September 27. 1918 
November 7, 1918 
November .3, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
November 20, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
October 15, 1918 
September 30. 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



393 



Name and Rank Company 

* PnnATE Samuel Dohis B 

+ Pri\'ate First Class Charles J. Dougherty A 

* Private Charles O. Dozois F 

* Private Patrick J. Egan A 

§ Pri\ate Norman K. Egolf Headquarters 

* Pruate Jacob Ehrlich B 

* Prhate Harry Eichenberger B 

* Pri\ate First Class John A. Eisele Headquarters 

§ Private Henry A. Ellison A 

* Private Stephen Esterly D 

* Private First Cl.\ss James P. Faiiey E 

* Private Henry Faller H 

§ Private Elmer W. Fickeissen C 

* Corporal Edward Fleisch C 

* Private NicnoL.\s G. Forlini A 

* Pri\ate Anthony M. Forsthofper L 

t Private Sidney Foster Machine gun 

* Sergeant Elmer R. Fox D 

§ Private Frank Fox A 

* Private Joseph E. Fox. . . . '. F 

§ Private Charles Frank H 

§ Private First Class Lawn Franklin B 

* Private William A. Frey M 

t Private Alexander Friedel, Jr M 

t Corporal Harry Friel C 

* Corporal Stephen G. Fritz K 

t Private Fred J. Fudela C 

* Private First Class Lugi Gagliardi D 

* Private James L. Gallagher H 

* Private James S. Galloway H 

* Pri\ate George J. Gastenv'eld I 

t Private First Class James M. Gibson E 

§ Private Ray G. Gilbert M 

t Private Alexander Gilchrist C 

t Private Maurice F. Ging K 

* Private Joseph T. Grimscheid L 

t Private David Gollmer B 

* Private George Gonaff K 

* Private Michael J. Goonan E 

* Corporal David Gould K 

* Sergeant Harry L. Greenwood K 

* Private John Greenwood (i 

* Private William V. Griffin D 

* Private Otto E. Grigull M 

* Private Wilbur A. Guthrie F 

t Corporal Harry Hahn L 

* Private Joseph Haines Headquarters 

§ Private John Halbig L 

§ Private Einer S. Hannsen K 

t Private George A. Harrington F 

* Private Ernest J. Harrison F 

* Private Leo J. Hart G 

* Private William E. Hawk B 

* Private John Heineman A 



Date of Death 
September 28, 1918 
October 12, 1918 
Septcmlier 26, 1918 
September 2G, 1918 
October 8, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
September 28. 1918 
October 1, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 21, 1918 
Septeml)cr 29, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
September 2G, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
October 22, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
Octol)er 16, 1918 
March 2, 1919 
October H, 1918 
Octolier 2, 191S 
Undetermined 
November 5. 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
Novemlicr 3. 1918 
November 15. 1918 
October 10, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
January 1, 1919 
September 28, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
Septemlier 27, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 6, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
October 31, 1918 
October 16, 1918 
October 8, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October 1, 1918 



4(10 



IIIS'IOHY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Stunt' tiiiti litiiih 
t t'om-DHM. JoaKPii M. Hki.unqs, Jh 

• I'mvATK \V\i,Ti:n .1. IIk.ndeuson 

t l*ni\ AiK Ki>\v vmi IIkit 

§ I'mV ATK ClIAUl.I'.S 11. llKltCllKNKlDKK 

§ ('(ini'Dii M. I'aii. M. Hi'.hmann 

t I'mVATK KUKKI'.HUK W. Uk.humann 

§ Mi-.ciiAMc John ti. Hkuhmann 

• Skimikant Nelson M. IIkuron 

§ I'mvATK IIahhy Hkhtkh 

• I'mVATK lllOHMAN H. IlKllTZUKKli 

• I'ni\ ATK KiHsT Class Wii.uAM Hrtiierington. 

• SKHliKAM' KhANK K. Illl.l 

• I'mVATK (iKOlUiK H. Illl.l 

§ I'liivATK KiusT t'l.Ass Kahi. G. Hilton 

• CoUItmAl. l.KliOY H. lllNTON 

§ I'mVATK l\l)« AHl) lllNTKli 

• 1*III\ ATIO UaUHY HlHSllI. 

§ I'mvATK. \Vii.mn H. IIokltzei. 

• SkHOKANT UoWAUI) lloKSUE 

• CoHlHlHAI. (JkoUCK lloHN 

§ I'liU ATi; JOSKIMI .V. Ill CHKS 

t ("omilKAl. Wll.l.lAM H. Ill'liUKS 

t I'lilVATK Kl>\\ AHll III SS 

t Pun ATK Thomas Jannvzhi 

• l*Hn ATK t'l.YDK Jm"OHS 

• ItvoLKii Uknuy J. .Iaooby 

• Sekokant Pai'i. IU htox Jenkins 

• Pmv.u'K MiTt'iiEi.L J. Joyce 

• PlilVATK \Yll.l.tAM 1,. Jl'STirs 

• PmvATK KnwAiii) T. Kane 

§ PulVATK JosKlMI KaUOU\K 

• Skuukant .Vi'Ar Kau 

• Pni\ATK KiHsT Class Ciiahi.ks A. Kk.vting 

§ CoHI"OltAL HowAiin C Kk.ipkh 

t PmVATK FlIlST Cl^SS GEtn<GB L. Keli.£Y 

• Phiv.xte Ch.vklks J. Kklly 

§ Skho.kant CiiHLsToriiKit \V. Kklly 

• PmvATK Jamks p. Kelly 

• PiiivATK Mautin J. Kklly 

• PliU ATE KlIiST Cl.A.SS MlCII.VEL KeNNT 

• t'oui-oKAL Pktku Kkhk 

• PmvATK James C. Killeon 

• I'lfivATE Roheht Kino 

• I*mvATK Jamks 1,. Kixney 

• PmvATK Jam>» T. Kinsgr 

§ PlilV VTK FUANK KlSTKH 

• Phivatk IIknhy H. Kle.nck 

• PmV.VTK llKNliY Kl.EWK, Jr 

§ Privatk FiiKiiKHu k G. Kxott 

• Private .\ntiiony Koixski 

• I*Riv.\TK Gkohge H. Kou> 

• l*mVATK Gkover C. K<x>k 

t Private Frank Kos&akowski 

• Private Erakle Kozmax 



f^^my)(lH^/ 


/->»/<• ()/ Ditilh 


M 


XovenilKT 9, 1918 


1. 


.^.■plciiil.i-r ,10. 191S 


A 


liKli'tiM-mincil 


G 


Mnnh H. IDlIt 


D 


Oct.ilxT l;i. 1!»1S 


B 


riulclcrniiiUMl 


A 


OcIoIht 10. 1018 


F 


Soptonihor *S. 191S 


MjH-liini'-iriin 


Ootobor 1». 1918 


.\ 


Xovcmlicr 3. 1918 


G 


S<-i.|onilicr 30. 1918 


I 


N..v<.nili('r4. 1918 


D 


S.-i)U-mlKT ^(i. 1918 


D 


Manli 17. 1919 


R 


Si-plfinl.or ^9. 1918 


Macluiu>-ituii 


Oclolu-r ^.■.. 1918 


yi 


S<-j)toiiil)cr i~. 1918 


Honilqiiartcr,'* 


OotolxT •J'J. 1918 


Mmliino-giin 


Soptomlier i'. 1918 


C 


Octobor 1. 1918 


A 


Octohcr •?(!. 1918 


L 


NovcmIxT ■i. 1918 


E 


(Molx-r 17, 1918 


B 


(Mol)or 10, 1918 


K 


Novciiilier 4, 1918 


U 


Xovcmhcr 9. 1918 


Ilt'iulqiiaHoi-s 


NovcmlHT 11, 1918 


M 


S<-i)toiiil>cr iCt. 1918 


A 


Novoiiilior 10, 1918 


C 


Soiiti'uibor ^9, 1918 


H 


Si-ptcmlHT J3. 1918 


E 


Novomhor .i. 1918 


llomlqviarlors 


Octolior 31. 1918 


D 


April i~. 1919 


L 


OctolHT 14, 1918 


E 


September .iO. 1918 


K 


October 1. 1918 


D 


September •J9, 1918 


D 


Sei>tember 30, 1918 


D 


Si-ptember •iS, 1918 


D 


November ,i. 1918 


n 


November 4. 1918 


F 


September -iO. 1918 


K 


Novcmlwr 4, 1918 


E 


November 11. 1918 


A 


October H. 1918 


H 


September ^J9. 1918 


M 


November 8. 1918 


Iloadqiiartor.-; 


November H. 1918 


A 


September ■JS, 1918 


F 


Novemlier 7. 1918 


B 


Septeml>er '>9. 1918 


I 


OctoW 1, 1918 


C 


September 2(i. 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



401 



Name and Rank Organization 

§ Private Jonathan Kbamer B 

§ PiiivATK Henry Krick II 

• PlIIVATK MoHKIH KrIDERMAN I) 

• CoRPOHAi. IIavmoni) F. Kuhi. E 

• Private Adoi.pii Kurmin M 

t Private Walter Ernest Lamhs Headquarters 

t C'ORI'ORAE 'I'llriMAS L. LaNDENBEROEB L 

§ Private Nicholas M. Larki.n HeadquaKcrs 

• Private Emmett G. Laub A 

§ Private John J. Lawler, Jr.. ^ IJ 

§ Private Daniel E. Lee C 

• Private John J. Lenahan A 

• PiiiN ate Fiuht Class William Lentine H 

t Private Emmet L. Leventrt C 

§ Private HARRisfjN Lever K 

• Private Frank Lewis 1) 

t Piii\ ATE Joseph Lewis C 

t Private Maurv Likherman L 

• Private Morris Lipkin H 

• Private Frederick Lippert H 

• Private Ernest Livingston A 

§ Private Pauor Livingston K 

• Corporal I^^uenzo I/OBAccaho K 

§ Piin ate C;eor(;e I{. I^jckhart Machine-gun 

• Private Louis I-oiimuller U 

§ Private John H. Lynch M 

• Pri\ ATE John L. Lynch K 

• Sergeant William J. Lyshon G 

• Private First Class Edward Francis McAleer. ... K 

• Sergeant James W. McCartney Machine gun 

• Corporal Uonald H. McCaughey B 

§ Cohi'ohal Charles McCauley H 

t Pru ATE Ale.xander M( Clean D 

t Private Thomas II. McCool E 

§ Corporal Artiil'r McCrory A 

§ Phi\ ate .James M< Cutcheon F 

• Pri\ ate William J. McDonnell H 

• Private Bernard McGarry M 

§ Corporal .Joseph L. McKee D 

• Pun ate First Class John J. McNamaha D 

§ Seh(;eant Hugh D. Mai Donald C 

t Private Kenneth A. MacKenzie G 

§ Private Herman .Madson I 

§ Private Kdwahd F. Maher C 

t Private 'I'homas H. Malixjy Headquarters 

t Private James N. .Mallus C 

• Private William P. Mann K 

t Private .John W. Manni.ng F 

§ Private Joseph Marino K 

t PiinATE DoNATo Masciole M 

• Private Stephen Masiik E 

• Private Clerk Mauer Machine gun 

• Private John Mauro D 

§ Private Andrew W. Mayer I 



Vale u( Death 
October 18. 1918 
April 25, 1019 
Novenilier .5, 1918 
NovcinKer 7, 1918 
Sei)tenil)er 20, 1918 
Xovciiitior .5. 1918 
SepteinIxT 17, 1918 
Octohir 14, 1918 
\ovenilK-r 4, 1918 
Octi.lH-r 20, 1918 
Octolxr 19, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
Septenitier 20, 1918 
November 12, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
Marcli 24, 1919 
November 5, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
S<-pteniber 27, 1918 
February 0, 1919 
Noveml)er 5, 1918 
Undetermined 
November 11, 1918 
September 27. 1918 
September 28, 1918 
OctobiT 10, 1918 
October l.j, 1918 
November .■>. 1918 
October 18, 1918 
February 19, 1919 
November 4, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
S<?pteml)er 29, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
October 9, 1918 
November 17, 1918 
October l.S. 1918 
Octol)er .'!1, 1918 
Oct()l)er .->, 1918 
November .5, 1918 
October 31, 1918 
.January 23, 1919 
October 3, 1918 
Novemljer 5, 1918 
Noveml>er 4, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
April 11, 1919 



402 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Name and Rank Company 

t Sergeant Philip G. Melick B 

t Private Norris B. Mentz Headquarters 

* Private Pietro Merola E 

* Corporal Frank Merrtam I 

t Private Stephen Michalski I 

t Private First Class John A. Millard Machine gun 

* Private First Class Harry W. Mitchell Machine gun 

* Private William Monter H 

* Mechanic Thomas Moore D 

* Mechanic William J. Moore D. 

* Private First Class Edward G. Moran H 

* Private Jonathan E. Morgan L 

* Private Robert R. Morris K 

t Private Giacomo Moscariello M 

* Private George Moss B 

* Corporal Hugh Moy L 

§ Private Charles G. Murphy A 

* PRn'ATE John A. Murray B 

* Private Walter A. Mussack D 

* Private Morris Nachtigal D 

* Corporal Pius J. Nau F 

* Private William A. Nash L 

t Private First Class William A. Nichols K 

t Private William Nickles L 

* Private John J. Nocito B 

* Private Samuel Novick D 

§ Private John Nusbickel Supply 

* Pri\ate William O'Connell H 

* Private Horace J. O'Donnell K 

* Sergeant Louis Oerlemans C 

t Private Elmer Ogden A 

* Private Richard C. Owen Sanitary Detachment 

t Private Frank Pahls H 

t Sergeant Cl-^rence S. Pancoast D 

* Private Ellwood G. Paul A 

* Private William M. Paynter C 

* Private Charles H. Pfister G 

* Private Albert F. Pflieger B 

* Private Hulen W. Phelps D 

* Private Michale Picciolle H 

* Private Clifford Pickering H 

* Sergeant Harry Polinskt L 

* Corporal Stermonth Pollock D 

§ Prr'ate Edwin G. Powell Machine-gun 

* Private First Class Edward J. Poyntz D 

* Corporal Henry E. P. Pritchard B 

§ Private John F. Quinn Headquarters 

* Private John J. Quinn K 

* Private Leo Raczkowski C 

§ Private George B. Rath G 

* Private First Class Thomas Rauschenberger K 

* Sergeant John J. Read C 

* Private George F. Reedy M 

t Private Arthur L Rees M 



Dale of Death 
December 17, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November ), 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 20, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 4, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 24, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
Undetermined 
November 9, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October 1.5, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 19, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 17, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October 15, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 20, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



403 



Name and Rank Company 

t Private Charles P. Reichert L 

* Prh ATE Elton N. Reid Machine-gun 

t Private William Reid L 

* Private Joseph Reitz H 

* Private Joseph Rice A 

t Private Frank C. Richter A 

t Private Ira B. Rigiiter E 

* Private Robert Ritchie H 

* Prhate John Q. Robb Machine-gun 

§ Prhate Alphons J. Rockelmann Headquarters 

* Private Henry L. Rodes K 

* Private Irving S. Roffis F 

* Private Richard J. Rorke E 

§ Private Frederick Rosenbl.\th I 

t Private James S. Ross F 

§ Sergeant John M. Ross K 

t Private Mieczystan Ruztcki. . , A 

t Corporal Lewis Ryan F 

* Private Anthony Saccomantjo Sanitary Detachment 

* Private Anthony Saiikaaitz K 

t Private Harry Sandrow I 

* Private Frank Santasiri C 

* Corporal Mitchell Sargen F 

* Private John J. Sartory E 

* Corporal David Sauberblatt E 

t Private Spencer H. Sauer E 

* Private Ralph A. Sauter B 

§ Private Herman P. Saylor I 

* Private Carlo Scaglio B 

* Private Jesse E. Schaal F 

§ Private Walter F. Scheible D 

t Private Frank Scheid E 

* Private William F. Scheidemann L 

* Prhate William R. Scheulen L 

§ Private Pasquale Schiavo C 

t Private Salvatore Schimmenti A 

* Private Elwood E. Schl.u«b E 

* Private David Schlossberg F 

t Private Harry' Schmalenbercer E 

t Private Paul G. Schneider F 

* Private Charles H. Schnell D 

* Private Theodore G. Scroller F 

* Private First Class Walter R. Schoultz L 

§ Private Michael G. Schoenholz D 

* Private Benjamin Schwartz H 

* Private First Cl.\ss William Schwind L 

t Private Domenico Scialla C 

t Private John V. Scudero K 

* Private Nick Serago C 

* Sergeant Andrew C. Shagren K 

§ Private Charles J. Shide B 

* Private Harry A. Shively C 

t Private Nathan Shute A 

* Private William A. Stevers K 



Dale of Death 
Octolier 31, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
November 6, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
October 24, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
SeiJtember 29, 1918 
Novemlier 4, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
October 31, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 20, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
Undetermined 
November 5, 1918 
December 21, 1918 
November .5, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 20, 1918 
Undetermined 
October 28, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
December 15, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 12, 1918 
Undetermined 
November 8, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October 5, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 4, 1918 



404 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Name and Rank Company 

* Private Walter O. Skinner E 

* Private Charles W. Smith F 

* Private Clinton E. Smith E 

§ Private Edward A. Smith C 

* Private Edward A. Smith E 

* Private Edward F. Smith A 

* Private Paul J. Smith C 

t Corporal William M. Smith G 

* Wagoner Jesse W. Soby Supph- 

* Corporal Edwin R. Soudbrs C 

* Private Clarence W. South K 

t Private Gioacchino Spagnuolo Machine-gun 

§ Private Ed^in D. Spare D 

* PKI^'ATE Solomon Spicker A 

* Private Raffaele Spiotta B 

* Private Charles Staehle H 

§ Musician First Class John W. Stahl Headqiiaiteis 

t Private William H. Stanley L 

t Corporal Ernest Z. Stead Headquai-ters 

* Private Frank O. Steckelberg L 

* Private Samuel K. Stoever M 

* Private Louis Stein C 

* Private William T. Steinhauer E 

* Private Ceslaw Stepulkowsky B 

* Private Milton Stern L 

* Private John F. Stewart F 

t Private Roy E. Stidham B 

§ Private Michael Stieflein L 

* Private First Class Ernest A. Stout H 

* Corporal Abram E. Street D 

* Private Richard A. Sullivan D 

* Private Leo J. Swartz C 

t Private James A. Sword B 

* Sergeant Louis C. Symington K 

§ Private Perley E. Tapley Headquarters 

* Private Stephen Terzitta C 

§ Private John T. Thompson Sanitary Detachment 

t Private Nick A. Thorman D 

§ Private Clifton Tibbils C 

§ Private Theodore F. Tiedeken C 

§ Private James T. Tighe I 

* Private Daniel F. Toolan M 

t Private Frank M. Trebino D 

* Prhate John W. Trost Machine-gun 

* Sergeant Samuel J. Trotta I 

t Private Max A. Trumpa G 

* Pri\-ate John A. Ulrich H 

§ Private Francis Urbanis K 

§ Private Leonard A. Vacchione D 

t Private Sotirios Vehras F 

* Private Nichele Vetrona L 

* Private Michele D. Vicchia C 

t Private Richard B. Ward G 

* Private Eugene G. Watkins K 



Dale of Death 
November 7, 1918 
Xovember 11, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October '21, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November i, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 31, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
October 31. 1918 
November 10, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
Septemljer 20, 1918 
March 30, 1919 
October 5, 1918 
November 1.3, 1918 
November 0, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
Septemlier 29, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
November 15, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
March 1, 1919 
LTndetermincd 
October 13, 1918 
October 20, 1918 
October 27, 1918 
Undetermined 
October 1, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
September 20, 1918 
October 15. 1918 
October 4. 1918 
October 1, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 17, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 1, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



405 



Same and IJaiil.- Organization 

* Corporal Richard G. Weise E 

t Private Willi.ui Welker A 

* Private Walter J. AVest Headquarters 

* Private Birchard H. AVhite D 

t Prfvate James White I 

§ Private William T. White I 

§ Private Fred B. Wivell Headquarters 

§ Corporal George A. Wolf C 

* Private Jesse AYootox L 

* Private First Class Charles E. Wrigley C 

* Private Joseph O. Yehle D 

* Private Peter Zack K 

§ Private Logi Zarilli D 



Date of Death 
November 5, 1918 
November 6, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
March 25, 1919 
March 19, 1919 
October 18, 1918 
October 30, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
October 18, 1918 



316th infantry 

OFFICERS 

Xante and Rank Date of Death 

* M.UOR John- B. Atwood September 28, 1918 

t Captain- Percy F. Birraoe September 30, 1918 

* Captain- Benjamin H. Hewitt September 29, 1918 

* Captain Lons C. Knack November .5. 1918 

* Captain Alan W. Lukens September 28, 1918 

* Major William S. Manning November 6, 1918 

t Captain Claude C. Cunningham November 7, 1918 

* First Lieutenant John H. Fox September 20, 1918 

* Captain Francis D. Johnson November 9, 1918 

* First Lieutenant Daniel S. Keller September 29, 1918 

t First Lieutenant Maxwell McKeen November 9, 1918 

t First Lieutenant Ivan L. Lautenbacher October 2, 1918 

* First Lieutenant Rudolph E. Peterson November 4, 1918 

* First Lieutenant Albert C. Wunderlich September 28, 1918 

* Second Lieutenant Lawrence J. Ayers November 6, 1918 

* Second Lieutenant Joseph C. Fitzharris September 29, 1918 

§ Second Lieutenant John G. Kerlin May 12, 1919 

t Second Lieutenant Ira E. Lady November 22, 1918 

§ Second Lieutenant Whipple H. Parker October 20, 1918 

t Second Lieutenant Romaine Shepard September 30, 1918 

ENLISTED MEN 

Xame and Rank Company Date of Death 

§ Wagoner Lloyd D. Acker Supply October 2, 1918 

* Private First Class Michael Adzema E September 29, 1918 

* Private Albert H. Albrecht I October 29, 1918 

* Private Clark Allison C November 4, 1918 

* Private Michelangelo Apolito B October 29, 1918 

* Private Nicholas C. Arens E November 3, 1918 

t Private Cal%-tne Osquith D October 10, 1918 

* Corporal M.\rtin M. Babb '. E September 29, 1918 

* Private Carrington E. Bailey Headquarters September 28, 1918 

* Regimental Sergeant Major Harold H. Bair September 29, 1918 

* Private Eddie J. S. Bauer C November 4, 1918 

* Private John Bayuff C September 28, 1918 

* Bugler Raymond L. Beard B September 28, 1918 



406 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Name and Rank Company 

* Private John D. Beck K 

§ Cook Lloyd S. Becker G 

* Private First Class Abe Bellmohe G 

* Private Emil C. Bendixex C 

§ Private Howard Benton Machine-gun 

§ Sergeant Charles E. Berner D 

* Sergeant Philip M. Bertram A 

* Private George F. Best A Missing in 

t Private First Class Montioe C. Bill L 

* Private John H. Binns E 

§ Private La\vrence J. Boldezar E 

* Sergeant Elmer T. Bomboy Headquarters 

* Private Francis Boyeh Headquarters 

* Private George H. Boyer Headquarters 

* Private Nunzio Bramanto B 

* Private First Class Elmer H. Bkechbill B 

t Private William R. Bretthauer B 

t Private Raymond Brough Machine-gun 

* Private First Class Charles C. Bucher A 

§ Private Peter J. Burble H 

* Sergeant Guy P. Butler I 

t Corporal Andrea F. Cabriele B 

§ Corporal George S. Caldwell M 

* Private Edward M. Campbell L 

* Private Francis A. Carlson K 

§ Private Iver H. Carlson C 

* Private Carl H. Carmichael Headquarters 

§ Private Wyatt Carpenter H 

* Private Charles P. Cartin M 

* Private James J. Cassidy' Machine-gun 

* Private Charles C. Catron E 

§ First Sergeant Lawrence L. Chambers A 

* Private Andrew H. Cookman L 

* Private First Class Jonathan P. Clatjser K Missing in 

t Corporal Reuben W. Clouse C 

* Private Frank Coleman E 

* Private Antonio Comiganis C 

* Private First Class Joseph T. Conner E 

* Private Harry E. Cooper M 

§ Private Vito Copola E 

* Private First Class Jeremiah Creamer B 

t Private Edward Cross M 

t Sergeant John T. Curran M 

* Private First Class Leonard J. Daily M 

* Private Pietro R. D'Amico I 

* Private Raffaele Dardee G 

§ Private First Class Samuel Daubert B 

t Bugler Elbert L. Davidson A 

* Private Charles L. Deitch C 

* Private First Class Harvey J. Delong L 

* Private Peter Demko C 

* Private Peter K. Demopulos C 

* Private William Demos A 

§ Private Paul Denegre H 



Dale of Death 
November 4, 1918 
October 17, 1918 
September '28, 1918 
October 29, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
July 24, 1918 
Undetermined 

action Sept. 30, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
August 7, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
October 29, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
October 16, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 6, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 2, 1918 
November 23, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 25, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
October 23, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 26, 1918 

action Sept. 30, 1918 
November 22, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
October 18, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
December 9, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
October 15, 1918 
October 4, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
Septemlier 20, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
October 15, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



407 



Name and Rank Company 

* Private Edgar H. Denson B 

t Private First Class Andrew M. Detrich B 

* Private Leslie A. Devlix C 

t Private Vincent J. Devlin Sanitary Detachment 

* Private Cosmo Dibenedetto B 

* Private Amadio Diberardino B 

§ Private Thomas Dijorio B 

§ Private Horace K. Dills A 

* Private Livio Disalvo H 

* Private Thomas Dooney C 

t Private First Ci.\ss David E. Dornblaser B 

§ Private Ralph R. Downs L 

* Corporal Morris C. Drye E 

* Private Michael F. Duffy" M 

* Private John R. Duly Machine-gun 

t Private James M. Duncan E 

* Pri\ate Raymond M. Dlt<l.\p I 

* Private First Class George W. Dunmire B 

t Private James E. Dte E 

* Private First Class Walter A. Eavhts B 

* Corporal Walter S. Ebersole I 

* Private George Edwards C 

§ Private Joseph S. Edwards L 

+ Private First Class John Eschbach H 

* Private Nick Evans E 

* Corporal Samuel H. Ewart Headquarters 

S Private First Class William C. Faber •. . K 

•j- Private William AV. Fahey E 

+ Private Warren H. Fatzinger E 

* Private George E. Fenstamaker E 

+ Private Joseph Fineberg H 

* Corporal Anthony Finnocchio F 

* Private Michael J. Flaherty B 

I Private Thomas V. Flanigan Machine-gun 

* Corporal Samuel R Foltz L 

S Private J.uiies J. Ford C 

, Private Albert E. Forsyth I 

^ Private John W. E. Foster D 

J Private August J. Frahm D 

^ Private Joseph Francis G 

t Sergeant How.vhd H. Frantz K 

t Private Jackson L. Frey B 

* Private Isadore Friedman A 

* Private First Class Charles F. Fritts ■. L 

^ Private First Class Harry E. Fuerst Sanitary Detachment 

S Private Carl C. Herdering K 

» Private First Class Clifford J. Gangwere Headquarters 

c Private S.\muel Gan^n A 

t Private First Class Harvey N. Gauger G 

* Private First Class Michael J. Gavaghan F 

« Private Thomas E. Gaynor B 

- Sergeant William F Geesey E 

. Corporal Joseph Giangreco M 

» Private Irv.in B. Gibble D 



Date of Death 
September 28, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 13, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
October 9, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
Undetermined 
December 10, 1918 
Novemlier 4, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
December 22, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
September 23, 1918 
October 4, 1918 
October 16, 1918 
November 4, 191S 
October 23, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
October i 1918 
September 26, 191» 
October 24, 1918 
October 6, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
November 20, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October 21, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
February 9, 1919 
September 30, 1918 
October 4, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October 18, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
September 28, 191& 



408 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Name and Rank Company 

* Private AVilliam A. Giss K 

§ Private First Class Lester D. Glowner H 

* Pri\ ate Loris Gold I 

* Private AVilliam H. Golden M 

* Private William Goldman- C 

t Private Cecil Gordy L 

* Private Sargius Gourian A 

* Private Frank F. Grabber B 

* Corporal George E. Green B 

* Private Dimeter Gregor A 

* Private Frank A. Grogen B 

* Private Cornelius Griffin F 

§ Sergeant Oscar G. Grip F 

* Private Arthur E. Guinn G 

§ Private Carl M. Gulley C 

* Private Ralph A. Haag Headquarters 

t Prhate William H. Haag H 

§ Private Lawrence F. Haas E 

§ Cook Charles H. Hackett H 

* PRI^'ATE Bennie H. Hahn E 

* Private Nicholas A. Haidner H 

§ Private John Halbur C 

§ Private First Class Stanley S. Hallett B 

* Corporal Norman B. Hallal^n F 

§ Private William James Hanbahan F 

* Phixate Peter A. Hanson B 

§ Private Arthur Harding B 

§ Private Claude W. Harding E 

* Private Edgar B. Harrison K 

* Private Leo J. Hass E 

* Private William J. Hasson ' H 

* Private First Class Charles D. Hauck G 

* Pri\ate First Class Louis B. Hayden L 

* Corporal Ralph Heckle M 

t Private Abram W. Heisey I 

* Corporal Alfred A. Heisey E 

* Sergeant Hans Hellmants' B 

§ Prhate Cl.\rence M. Hendershot E 

§ Pri\ate Arthur Heng G 

* Corporal John P. Hent; K 

§ Private Richard T. Hexwood I 

t Corporal Andrea F. Gabriele B 

t Private Herbert M. Hill M 

§ Private Martin Hill L 

§ Private Charley A. Hintz E 

* Private Meyer Hodes D 

* Priv^\te Niles W. Hodds D 

* Corporal Robert H. Hoke I 

t Private John J. Holahan M 

t Private Harry W. Holland Machine-gun 

* Private Mikc Holowopun C 

* Private William Hopkins A 

* Phi\'ate Joseph Horenstein E 

* Prixate First Class Charles B. HotrsBKNECHT D 



Dale of Death 
November 2, 1918 
October 21, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
October 23, 1918 
November i. 1918 
January 10, 1910 
November 3, 1918 
November 30, 1918 
November 3. 1918 
September 27, 1918 
December 5, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
December 11, 1918 
October 5, 1918 
November -i, 1918 
October 9, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
October 18, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November i, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 30. 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
October 18, 1918 
November 30, 1981 
November 5, 1911 
October 6, 1918 
November 6, 1918 
September 29, 1988 
November 22, 1918 
December 4, 1918 
October 29, 1918 
November 14, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
October 23, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 3, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



409 



Name and Rank Company 

* Private Fh.vxklix L. Howahd L 

§ CoRPOBAL Wallace F. Howard H 

* Private Charles M. Hvghes B 

* Pri\ate First Class Benjamin Husik E 

* Private Hexhy W. Hutchinson 1 

* Private George E. Ihvin K 

* Pri\ate Joseph Iuliano K 

* Pnn'ATE Jay M. Jacksox D 

* Private Edward E. Jamerisox L 

t Private Randolph Jardix A 

* Prinate Evert M. Jexkixs E 

* Private Chris X. Johnson D 

* Private Arthur H. Joxes Machine-gun 

* Private Charlie Joxes E 

t Private Harry T. Joxes K 

* Private William H. Jones Headquarters 

* Private Clemens Karchaxsky 

* Private Edward H. Kasal L 

* Pri\ ate Ben Kaufman B 

* Private Timothy J. Kearney I 

t Private Johx J. Keleher F 

* Sergeant James A. Kelly H 

S Pri\ ate James M. Kelly H 

* Pri\ ATE Fraxk S. Kexxeuy Machine-gun 

t Private Eugene A. Kibbler H 

§ Pri\ ATE Joseph Kilcrax G 

* Private John Kilgus H 

t Private Vincent King B 

* Private Denny Kite A 

§ Private Lawrence E. Klingler L 

* Private Edward J. Kxaff I 

§ Corporal Cl.\rence E. Knaub F 

§ Private Austin L. Knowles E 

§ Private Fred Kocher, Jr C 

§ Private Louis H. Koehlek M 

t Private First Class Adam W. Koffel Headquarters 

* Prh ATE First Class Charles R. Kohler I 

t Pri\ ate John S. Kolesar B 

* Prhate Stanley Kopetsky E 

* Prh ate First Cl-vss Franklin R. Koser L 

t Private Alfred E. Kothmann 

§ Private John Kozlowski L 

* ilECHANic Eugene R. Kreider Machine-gun 

* Private George J. Kreul E 

t Corporal John D. Kroger A 

* Private Reginald K. Kuhn L 

* Private Isidor Kunofsky E 

* Sergeant John M„ Kutchever E 

* Private John F. Lammers D 

* Private First Cl.\ss Wilmer M. Landis A 

* Private Flrst Cl-\ss John T. Lane C 

* Corporal Ira J. Lannex 

* Mechanic Homer R. Lannixg B 

* Private Nels P. Larsex G 



Dale of Death 
November 6, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
September's. 1918 
September 29. 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 2G. 1918 
September 29. 1918 
October 27, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
Septcml)er 29. 1918 
November 4. 1918 
November 1.5. 1918 
September 28. 1918 
November 4. 1918 
L'ndetermined 
Noveml)er 7, 1918 
November 4-11, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 5, 1918 
August 3, 1918 
Scptcml)er 28, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
July 24, 1918 
October 22, 1918 
December 22, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
November 22, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
October 18, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
Undetermined 
November 10, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
October 15, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 9, 1918 



410 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Name and Rank Company 

§ Private Lewis Larson H 

* Private Walter P. Lawson D 

§ Private Willl\m L. Layson A 

§ Private Nathan Lazaar A 

* Sergeant Earl P. Leckrom B 

•f Mechanic Peter S. Lengel B 

§ Private Lewis H. Levengood H 

* Private Leo J. L'Homme L 

t Corporal Robert L. Liphaht M 

§ Private Adolph L. Lind H 

t Private Hentsy D. Lindley H 

* Private Jacob M. Lizeski D 

* Private Glenn A. Lloyd C 

t Private James S. Lockhart E 

t Private Jacob A. Lohmiller C 

* Private Charles Lorah I 

§ Private Robert F. Lowder C 

§ Private Emilio C. Lozano K 

* Pri\ate Albert D. Lowery C 

§ Private Walter E. Luke M 

t Pri\-ate Erick William Lund E 

* Private William Lunn M 

* Sergeant Enos R. Lutman I 

* Private Horace Lynam G 

§ Private John W. Lynch, Jr I 

§ Private Thornton Lyford E 

* Private Raymond T. Lynch E 

* Private Francis M. McCaughan K Missing 

* Corporal Daniel E. McComsey M 

* Private William McClusky B 

t Private Peter McDermott D 

* Private Joseph McHugh C 

* Corporal William H. McKimmie H 

* Sergeant Arthur J. McKinney C 

* Sergeant James E. McKown L 

* Private Joe E. McLaughlin F 

* Private James M. McLevy I 

* Private David McNeill A 

* Private Joseph P. McNulty G 

* Corporal Cl.\rk R. McWilliams G 

* Private Luie Machacek G 

* Private John J. Mahoney K Missing 

* Private Leo E. Malett H 

* Private Francesco Mallozzi H 

* Private First Class Roy W. Malqne K 

* Private Charles H. Mansberger A 

* Private Frank Mancusi G 

* Private George M. Markley K Missing 

* Private Vincent Martini C 

* Private Abraham Mash A 

§ Private Rosario Masi K 

* Corporal Gustaf A. Mattson A 

* Private Ralph C. Maurer Headquarters 

* Corporal Frank L. Mead D 



Date of Death 
November 11, 191S 
October 17, 1918 
November 17, 191S 
August 17, 1918 
September 29, 19 IS 
October 7, 1918 
October 12, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 8, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
February 11, 1918 
October 29, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
October 3, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
December 9, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
October 5, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
October 12, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
September 29, 1918 

in action Sept. 26, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
November 12, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 20, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 3, 1918 

in action Sept. 30, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 3. 1918 

in action Sept. 30, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
July 25, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 26, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



411 



Xame and Rank Company 

* Sehgkant Wiluam T. Meisket K 

§ Mess Sergeant Howard B. Melody F 

t Private Bernard Menke, Jr M 

* Corporal Alvin S. Meredith C 

* Private Henry Mertling A 

§ Private T^o^us J. Merwin D 

* Corporal Andrew E. Mickley A 

t Private Joseph A. Milano G 

§ Private Charles S. Miller F 

* Corporal Edwin D. Miller L 

* Sergeant Ervin C. Miller F 

t Corporal Howard M. Miller B 

* Mechanic Syl\'ester G. Miller A 

* Private Tootsie Miller A 

* Private William J. Miller L 

§ Private James A. Millhizer L 

* Private Pasquale Minello F 

* Private Edward Miner Headquarters 

* Private Edwin H. Miskell L 

* Private First Class George H. Mock E 

§ Private Frank Mondelli Headquarters 

* Private George R. Monroe H 

* Private Peter E. Mooney C 

§ Private William Moore G 

t Private Rosario Morabito E 

§ Private Thomas Moran I 

§ Private First Class Charles P. MoRQANTHALER.. . . L 

§ Private Riccardo Mohiconi D 

* Private First Class Fred O. Mork C 

* Private Thomas W. Morrison G 

* Sergeant Harry T. Morrow Headquarters 

* Private First Class Joseph E. Motiska B 

* Sergeant Joseph A. Mullin C 

* Sergeant David W. Mundis E 

* Corporal Arthur J. Murphy C 

* Corporal Thomas Murphy A 

t Private Loy C. Myers M 

* Corporal Robert V. Nally H 

t Private Leo P. Nauman G 

t Private Ray-mond K. Naylor F 

§ Private Cieslaw Nemierski . G 

* Private Ernest C. Newrath Headquarters 

§ Private Gustaf A. Newman A 

* Private Charley Nielson E 

* Private Fred Nimkb 1 

* Private Joseph Ochutto B 

* Private First Cl.\ss Charles J. O'Kane K 

§ Private Sel\'ester Oleshuk E 

* Priv.vte Clarence Olson M 

§ Private Henry Olson B 

* Private William A. O'Neil Headquarters 

* Private James O'Neill H 

* Private James F. Orchard H 

* Private Harry E. R. Otto C 



Dale of Death 
September •^S, 191S 
October 16, 1918 
December 18, 1918 
November 3, 1918 • 
November 8. 1918 
Octol)er 9, 1918 
TJndeteriuiiK'd 
Octol)er '2(1, l!tlS 
October '21, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
December 11, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
Septeml)er d(!, 1918 
Septenibcr 28, 1918 
November 6, 1918 
Novemlier 3, 1918 
September 2«, 1918 
Undetermined 
November 23, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
October 21, 1918 
November 17, 1918 ' 
Novemljcr 10, 1918 
Deceml)er 4, 1918 
Septeml)cr 25, 1918 
September 9, 1918 
September 20, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 29, 19ia 
November 4, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
January 6, 1919 
Undetcniiiued 
November 14, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
October 31, 1918 
October 29, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
Novemlier 6, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
Novcml)er 3, 1918 
October IG, 1918 
October 30, 1918 
April 11, 1919 
September 28, 1918- 
September 26, 1918- 
November 4, 1918 
October 29, 1918 



41^2 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



t 



Name and Rank Company 

Private Charles I. Pace '. E 

Private First Class Frank E. Painter G 

Private Irwin Pangbibx A 

Private Arthur R. Pape E 

Private Joseph F. Parell A 

Private Rosario Pataxe B 

Private Michael Peifer H 

Private John Peracchia K 

Private James V. Pergola A 

Sergeant Peter S. Pero H 

Private Marvin E. Peterson L 

Private Michael Petronchak G 

Private First Class George F. Pettit D 

Private Lester W. Pfeffer I 

Private George Phillips G 

Private Joseph A. Phillips E 

Private Victor Piccirilli C 

Private Harvey C. Pierce I 

Private Frederick W. Pineman C 

Private Walter J. Plizga A 

Private Martin W. Plog A 

Prhate Felix Podhyski D 

Private Petro Polito G 

Private Rdfus A. Potter K 

Private First Class William A. Potter C 

Private Ira Irvin Powell B 

Private Richard A. Powell D 

Private Herman E. Prk e E 

Private John Prihoda E 

Private Frank C. Prokop K 

Private Carmine Pro^isiero E 

Private Adolph Przestzelski C 

Private Ciro Puorto G 

Pri\ate Thomas F. Purcell D 

Pri\ ATE First Class Frederick Putz D 

Prhate Paul H. Quinn H 

Private Louis Radlof K 

Private Vexeraxdo Ragaglia K 

Private Arnold Rahman C 

Pri\ aTe Walter E. Randall K 

Corporal Frank C. Rebel M 

Battalion Sergeant Major Edwin C. Rebert 

Private DantwIE Redenbaugh M 

Private Elvin H. Reed B 

Private First Class James H. Reeves K 

Corporal Alvin T. Rehmeyer F 

Private John E. Reinig M 

Corporal Ralph W. Remick D 

Corporal Frank A. Rick H 

Pri\ate First Class John R. Rickenbach Headquarters 

Private William Riding F 

Private John W. Rider K Missing in 

Private First Class W'illi.\m A. Riegel D 

Supply Sergeant John C. Rieker L 



Date of Death 
November 4, 1918 
October 30, 1918 
October 4, 1918 
October IG, 1918 
September 2G, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
September 30. 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 18, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 20, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 28 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 4, 191S 
October 16, 1918 
September 29. 1918 
December 14, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 6, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October 4, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 31, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
November 2, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
December 9, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
October 20, 1918 
action Nov. 11, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
September 26, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



413 



Name and Rank Company Date of Death 

Private John Riester, .Ir L September 28, 1918 

Private First Class Theophile Risso, Jr K November i, 1918 

Private Charles S. Roberts L September 26, 1918 

Private Johx E. Rdberts Headquarters September 28, 1918 

Private Edward J. Rogan E September 29, 1918 

Private Ralph Roloson G October 11, 1918 

Private Arthur B. Rooxet K September 28, 1918 

Private Wilsox S. Rosenbergbr H October 18, 1918 

Private Allen II. Rosexberry G September 28, 1918 

Private Samuel Rosexthal E Oetoljer 30, 1918 

Private Theophiel Rosbxtreter I November 25, 1918 

Prhate Johx Ross B September 29. 1918 

Private Flotd Ruth A October 2+, 1918 

Sergeaxt Fraxcis Edw.vrd Ryan E October 0, 1918 

Private First Cl.\ss William J. Ryax C Undetermined 

Private Axthoxy Sadeski K Missing in action Sept. 30, 1918 

Private Marshall A. Salmon A November 27, 1918 

Private Giuseppe Sallese B November 7, 1918 

Private Felice Saxgrermano I November 6, 1918 

Private Jack Sarcoxa G October 23, 1918 

Private William J. Sauer I October 8, 1918 

Private Frank S.wiaxo August i, 1918 

Corporal Fred S. Schaxtz G September 28, 1918 

Corporal Charles P. Scheifer G September 28, 1918 

Private John E. Schell D January 11, 1919 

Private John R. S( heppman I November 2, 1918 

Private William C. Schindler H September 26, 1918 

Private Charles H. Schmoll D November 5, 1918 

Private First Class Frank T St hommeu E February 5, 1919 

Pri\ate First Class Ar{ hie B Si iiultz Machine-gun November 4, 1918 

Prhate Emil Johx Schwab K September 27, 1918 

Corporal Clarexce R. Scott A September 29, 1918 

Private Vincenzo Screnci B September 29, 1918 

Private James T. Scully H September 29, 1918 

Private Harold D. Seeley D November 9, 1918 

Private First Class Lawrence W. Seiberlich C October 30, 1918 

Private Harry Semel L September 28, 1918 

Prhate John F. Shea K October 9, 1918 

Pri\ate Samuel M. Shelly Headquarters September 29, 1918 

Priv.\te Robert T. Sherlock E November 4, 1918 

Private William J. Sherwood H October 16, 1918 

Private John Shields D November 13, 1918 

Private Harry Leo Shillington E September 8, 1918 

Private Lowell W. Shira F November i, 1918 

Sergeant Albert E. Shoemaker Machine gun October 2, 1918 

Corporal James Shortall \ September 29, 1918 

Private First Class Elmer S. Showalter K September 28, 1918 

Private Abraham Silver F October 29, 1918 

Private David Simon L November 5, 1918 

Private First Class Herbert J. Simon I November 4, 1918 

Prixate First Class Joseph A. Sjovall L September 20, 1918 

Wagoner Carl H. Sl.\ter Supply October 4, 1918 

Private Johx B. Smith K Missing in action Sept. 30, '18 

Private Samuel C. Smith D October 18, 1918 



414 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



t 



t 



t 



Xame and Rank Company 

Private William Smith Machine-gun 

Prhate Habvet a. Smock K 

Prhate First Class Thomas C. Snyder L 

Private Morris Solatskt D 

Phi\-ate Herbert Sommer E 

Private Frederick W. Sonksen L 

Pri\-ate I'^rank Sonsire D 

Private Alfred Souers M 

Private First Class Clyde W. Spidell B 

Private Harvey R. Spielman K 

Prh'ate William E. Sprati E 

Private Louis J. Springer C 

Private First Class Niles R. Stabler K 

Private Kider Starita I 

Private Peter John Stathis E 

Pnn'ATE First Class Vincent Stellar D 

Private Charles G. Sterling M 

Private Clarence Stettler H 

Sergeant Harry C. Stover G 

Private Elmer C. Stbadling G 

Pri-\"ate Acgustus V. Strawbridge E 

Corporal Cra^tord C. Strike B 

Corporal Richard W. Strong, Jr C 

Private John C. Stdmpf C 

Private Michael J. Sullhan M 

Prhate Howard R. Suplee I 

Private Sam SnssoN I 

Pri\'ate Ingval Swain A 

Corporal James A. Swan D 

Prhate Joseph F. Swann B 

Private First Class Oscar W. Swanson L 

Private William P. Swartz M 

Private First Class William J. Swoboda C 

Private Frederick Talbot H 

Pri\ate Morris Thal I 

Private John Thomas D 

Corporal Gustave W. Thomsen D 

Corporal David M. Thornton Machine-gun 

Private First Class Rene E. Tissot E 

Private George S. Todd K Missing 

Private Harry F. Toker H 

Corporal Fred J. Tolan L 

Pri\ate Michael Tomosky A 

Private Alfonso Tramontano G 

Private William A. Traver D 

Private Ira K. Trout I 

Corporal Lloyd D. Tschopp L 

Private Albert A. Turkan I 

Private First Class Abram L. Turner G 

Prh'ate Emmett Turner K 

Private Bennett Ulvex D 

First Sergeant Arthur P. Undercofler L 

Private Herbert E. Unger D 

Private Sam Urciwjli I 



Date of Death 
October 1, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
November 9, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
October 29, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
December 11, 1918 
LTndetermined 
November 7, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
October 19, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
August 28, 1918 
October 12, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
October 12, 1918 
September 28. 1918 
October 20, 1918 
October 26, 1918 
December 25, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
Undetermined 
December 18, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 29. 1918 
January 1, 1919 
November 5, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
Undetermined 
September 28. 1918 
September 29, 1918 
December 17, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 29. 1918 
in action Sept. 30. 1918 
November 3. 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 16, 1918 
October 24, 1918 
September 26. 1918 
November 4, 1918 
September 30. 191S 
October 20, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
October 3, 1918 
October 8, 1918 
September 28, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



415 



Name and Rank Company 

"t Pin%ATE Vernon J. Vail A 

* Corporal Joseph Vasell.\ B 

I Private John Vaughn I 

* Private Jacob Veton C 

§ Private Albert S. Vogut A 

* Pruate First Cl.\ss William D. Wade Supply 

§ Private Joseph Waffet B 

t Private Thomas Z. Wagner Machine-gun 

§ Private Joseph Wall G 

* Private First Cl.\ss Truman A. Wallace I 

* Corporal Harry Waller A 

§ Pri\ ate Norman Waltman Machine-gun 

* Private First Class Peter A. Warsewicz K 

§ Private John Waruschok. . . M 

§ Private Joseph Wassel D 

§ Private Henry A. Watland L 

§ Private Graham B. Watt M 

* Private Philip Weber I 

* Corporal Mark C. M. Weirbach E 

§ Private Frank Weinberger D 

§ Private Harvey Weiss H 

t Prhate Delbert Marshall Welijver C 

t Pri\ate John Welsh G 

* Corporal William L. Wessner L 

* Pri\atb Gordon B West L 

* Private Walter Weyersberg K 

^ Private Samuel W. Wilcox G 

* Private William Wilcox A 

§ Private Wilmer W Wiley M 

t Private Benny Willi.wis K 

t Private Frank Willowitch E 

* Private George J. Wintz C 

* Pri\ ate First Class John M. Wise Headquarters 

* Sergeant Monroe K. Witmer K 

* Private Bernard Witte M 

§ Private Carl R. Woodworth B 

■§ Pri\"ate First Class Carl R. Woodworth B 

§ Private George Wright H 

* Mechanic Moses S. Yerger G 

* Corporal Harry R. Yingling G 

* Corporal James Yost D 

§ Private Arcus H. Young K 

* Prhate Howard W. Younie E 

* Corporal Leslie S. Zeger C 

* Private John Zembko D 

* Private First Class Conrad W. Ziegler Machine-gun 

* Private First Class John Zink.\nd Headquarters 

* Private Harry Zucker G 



Dale of Death 
Undetermined 
November 4, 1918 
October 18. 1918 
September '26, 1913 
October 11, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
Undetermined 
October ^, 1918 
October 22, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
February 20, 1919 
November 5, 1918 
October 5, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
November 28, 1918 
October G, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
December 12, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
November 7, 1918 
September 20, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
October 18, 1918 
September 2(i, 1918 
December 20, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
October 12, 1918 
October 25, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November i, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
December 3, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
October 17, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
November 12, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
November i, 1918 
Undetermined 
September 30, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 28, 1918 



416 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



312th MACHINE-GUN BATTALION 

ENLISTED MEN 

Name and Rank Company 

§ HoHSESHOER BERNARD B. BaRNES C 

t Private Blaine B. Boggs C 

* Private Raymond C. Bonny A 

f Private Henry H. Boswell D 

* Private Claude J. Brittingham B 

§ Private Charles E. Chambers I 

■f Bugler Norman D. Coates A 

* Private William J. Compher C 

§ Private First Class John R. Creveling D 

* Corporal Thomas Cullen D 

* Private Thomas H. Davies B 

* Supply Sergeant William K. Dieste B 

f Private Glenn L. Doebler C 

* Private First Class William A. Eopolucct C 

§ Corporal Paul J. Fornwalt A 

§ Private Joseph M. Gardner B 

§ Private Wilson D. Garner C 

§ Wagoner Benjamin H. Goddard Headquarters 

* Private Horace H. Hoover D 

* Private First Class Gustav A. Johnson C 

§ Sergeant Allen L. Kidwell A 

* Private First Class Randall G. Kmnetob D 

§ Private George Kuechenmeister C 

§ Private Norman A. Loveless B 

* Battalion Sergeant Major Earl L. Ltles Headquarters 

§ Sergeant Leon R. McGavock B 

§ Private John J. McGeorge A 

§ Private Bernard McIlvaine D 

* Private Martin J. Marvel B 

f Private Elbert J. Maurer D 

§ Private Emil J. Mayott A 

§ Private Jacob F. Mertz B 

* Private Henry E. Michaeus A 

§ Private Kents'y J. Moore D 

§ Private John J. Moriarty C 

* Prhate First Class Hagop Mushekin A 

* Private Abraham Neuman C 

§ Private John F. Norris B 

* Prhate Ira W. Oberun C 

* Private William Oster C 

§ Private George N. Roberts D 

§ Private Tony Smith A 

§ Private Stanley Stahek C 

* Private Walter Stein B 

* Private Milton Stern C 

§ Private George E. Stewart D 

t Private Clifford M. Stitely B 

§ Private Earl Storm A 

* Private John F. Strohecker C 

t Corporal Russell S. Tomlinson D 

§ Corporal Philip H. Toomey A 



Dale of Death 
October 4, 1918 
October 30, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
December 19, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
October 2, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
February 5, 1919 
November 5, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
October 30, 1918 
October 4, 1918 
SeiJtember 28, 1918 
October 17, 1918 
October 19, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
February 24, 1919 
November 8, 1918 
No\-ember 3, 1918 
February 10, 1919 
November 5, 1918 
December 2, 1918 
October 17, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
October 15, 1918 
March 18, 1919 
February 5, 1919 
No\ember 2, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
December 1, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
November 11, 1918 
September 26, 1918 
October 6, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
October 27, 1918 
November 8, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
November 6, 1918 
October 16, 1918 
November 5, 1918 
November 1, 1918 
October 25, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



417 



Name and Rank Company 

t Private First Cl.\ss Franklin E. TnAuciER A ' 

t Pri\"ate First Cl.^ss John J. Velkixe D 

t Sergeant Edward B. Watsox. D 

§ Private Frank R. Wilson B 

t Private Ralph E. Windsor C 

* Pri\"ate First Class Harmon G. Yovxg C 

* Private Andrew A. Ziegler U 

310th field artillery 

ENLISTED MEN 

Name and Rank Organization 

§ Prix ate Fioravaxto Amexdola Battery A 

§ Private Charles G. Arxold Battery A 

§ Sergeant Artihr H. Belles Sanitary Detachment 

§ Private Harrt A. Burroughs Battery A 

§ Pri\ ate First Class Leo Butzko Headquarters Co. 

§ Private First Class James E. Collixs Battery D 

§ Private Williaji J. Crombie Battery C 

t Private George F. Deskix Battery F 

§ Corporal George M. Dornheim Supply Company 

§ Pri\ate First Class Eugene A. Duffy Battery D 

§ Corporal Robert J. Ferguson Batter\- E 

§ Pri\ate Frederick W. Fixck Battery E 

§ Prhate John A. Fltxn Battery D 

§ Private Robert H. Fones . .' Battery E 

§ Corporal Martin B. Fox Battery D 

§ Private Jacob Halpern Sanitary Detachment 

§ Wagoner Louis P. Heard Supply Company 

§ Private David Hornstein Battery F 

§ Private Christian P. Jensen Battery D 

§ Private Albert Jobes Battery F 

§ Private Frank J. Kelly Headquarters Co. 

§ Private Reuben LIppmann Battery B 

§ Private Edward M. McCbe Battery D 

§ Mechanic John H. McHugh Battery F 

§ Private Joseph E. jMcN.vmar.^ Headquarters Co. 

§ Private Samuel Malishcka Battery C 

§ Prixate First Class Frank M. Martin Battery E 

§ Private Roy F. Morket Battery F 

§ Private William E. Pershing Supply Company 

§ Private John F. Potter Battery B 

§ CoRPORtL Charles M. Rawlixgs Battery A 

§ Private Charles Rimini Battery A 

§ Private First Class William A. Robixsox Battery E 

§ Corporal Joseph P. Ryax Battery C 

§ Private First Class Harry Sergey Battery E 

§ Private Frank Seufert Battery A 

§ Private First Class Theodore R. Shields Battery C 

§ Private Walter H. Smith Battery F 

§ Private Thomas L. Stainton Battery C 

§ Private Archie W. Truitt Battery B 

§ Wagoner Leonard Valentine Supply Company 

§ Private .John V. Walkowiak Battery E 

§ Private First Class Leroy S. Wextzel Veterinary Units 3 & 4 



Dale of Death 
December 9, 1918 
February 8, 1919 
September 17, 1918 
October 21, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
September '29, 1918 
October 30, 1918 



Date of Death 
October 15, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
October 15, 1913 
October 21, 1918 
October 18, 1918 
Octolier 20, 1918 
October 18, 1918 
October 9, 1918 
October 5, 1918 
October 15, 1918 
October 17, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
.\ugust 1(1, 1918 
October 29, 1918 
October IG, 1918 
October 8, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
December 15. 1918 
October 11 1918 
October 16, 1918 
October 27, 1918 
October 20, 1918 
April 22, 1919 
October 13, 1918 
October 18, 1918 
October 18, 1918 
October 20, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
October 14, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
October 20, 1918 
October 21, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
October 13, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
October 19, 1918 
November 4, 1918 
October 22, 1918 
October 5, 1918 
October 25, 1918 
October 9, 1918 



418 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



311th field artillery 

OFFICERS 

Name and Rank Organization Date of Death 

< Captain- Arthuh H. McGill February 11, 1919 

ENLISTED MEN 

t Private Ernest Angell Headquarters Co. October 19, 1918 

i Private First Class Edward R. Barry Headquarters Co. October 18, 1918 

i Private Martin L. Bauer Battery F October 19, 1918 

I Private THO^L4S S. DeMott Battery C February 28, 1919 

I Private Patrick J. Dooli.vg Battery D March 6, 1919 

] Private Anthony J. Emmert Battery C October 14, 1918 

! Private Horace J. Fardon Battery D November 4, 1918 

! First Sergeant James J. Farrell Battery D November 2. 1918 

i Private William S. Griffith Battery C March 1, 1919 

I Priv.\te First Class Herbert M. Inscho Battery E January 1, 1919 

i Private Joseph A. Loughran Battery D November 5, 1918 

1 Private George D. M.-iiirer Battery A August 11, 1918 

: Corporal Guy W. Mortimer Battery D March 8, 1919 

Corporal Joseph Nonnweiler Batter}- E November 4, 1918 

1 Private James F. O'Donnell Battery C March 1, 1919 

Corporal James P. O'Neill Headquarters Co. January 19, 1919 

' Private William Reynolds Battery B October 11, 1918 

Private Gdy A. Schl.aseman Headquarters Co. October 18, 1918 

Corporal Hugh L. Smith •. Battery F October 18, 1918 

Private Vincent J. Tohpey Battery C February 27, 1919 

Musician Second Class Albert J. West Headquarters Co. October 21, 1918 

i Private Russell Z. Worl.\nd Battery F October 13, 1918 



312th field artillery 

ENLISTED MEN 

Name and Rank Organization 

§ Pri\ ate Edward Bowling Battery B 

§ Priv.\te Foster A. Davenpoht Battery F 

t Private Elwood J. Jones Battery C 

§ Private Roy B. Lewis Battery B 

§ Ordnance Sergeant John J. Magee Supply Company 

§ Private David M. Van Meter Battery D 



Date of Death 
February 17, 1919 
July 20, 1918 
October 20, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
September 16, 1918 
August 1, 1918 



304th trench MORTAR BATTERY 
ENLISTED MEN 



Name and Rank 
§ Private Edward C. McCauley. 



Date of Death 
. October 18, 1918 



304th ENGINEERS 

ENLISTED MEN 

Name and Rank Company 

■ Private William H. Beck A 

; Private John C. Berkeley F 

! Priv.ite James F. Brague A 

• Private Archie H. Button D 



Date of Death 

September 16, 1918 

October 11, 1918 

September 14, 1918 

September 8, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



419 



t 



t 



t 



\ame and Rank Organization 

Private William J. Carbet C 

Private Andrew Chilsox A 

Private Samuel M. Clark B 

Private Jacob C. Clekdexin E 

Private Walter F. Coleman A 

Private John L. Crawx A 

Sergeant Richard J. Currie F 

Private First Class James K. Danner A 

Private Thomas S. Deisley D 

Private Derncuhf C 

Private Luigi Denzie C 

Private Harrv Diamond D 

Private Charles Dommel C 

Prhate Walter F. Dommel E 

Private Joseph H. Donaghy D 

Private David K. Donley D 

Private Daniel W. Donovan B 

Private James B. Dussixger E 

Private Guy L. Felton Sanitary Detachment 

Private Harvey S. German F 

Private Thomas L. Gerbericii E 

Sergeant George Gerhardt, Jr D 

Private Alvix A. Gochxauer F 

Private First Class James R. Graeff E 

Private Pasquale Guida F 

Private Horace E. Hambleton D 

Sergeant Stephen J. Hanrahan E 

Private Morris Heicklen F 

Private Guy I. Helman E 

Private Jacob H. Hirneisen F 

Private John E. Hoin A 

Private David C. Hostetler B 

Private James Huckexbaugh B 

Private Kerwin E. Jacoby A 

Private First Class George S. Jehvis Headquarters 

Sergeant Leon F. Johnson E 

Private Tom Kapunihana A 

Private Samuel Kasari F 

Private Lucian W. Kauffman E 

Private Alexander C. Keesey F 

Sergeant David E. Kelly E 

Corporal Harold H. Kirk Headquarters 

Private William P. Kray" F 

Private Alexander C. Kusey C 

Private Fred W. Krimmel F 

Private William P. Krot: F 

Private Louis W. Laushey F 

Sergeant Thomas F. McAndrews F 

Corporal Edward J. Malone E 

Private Francisco Martixus B 

Sergeant First Cl.\ss Thomas J. McCann C 

Master Engineer, Senior Grade, Harry E. 

McCausland Headquarters 

Corporal Joseph A. McGrath D 



Date of Death 
October 5, 1918 

October 16, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
October 20, 1918 
September 15, 1918 
October 17, 1918 
November 3, 1918 
September 10, 1918 

September 25, 1918 
September 16, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
September 25, 1918 
September 6, 1918 
September 16, 1918 
September 19, 1918 
September 22. 1918 
September 6. 1918 
October 13, 1918 
September 22, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
September 27, 1918 
Octol)er 7, 1918 
September 10, 1920 
October 14, 1918 
October 11, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
October 12, 1918 
September 19, 1918 
March 3, 1919 

September 9, 1918 
September 22, 1918 
September 24, 1918 
September 13, 1918 
November 29, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
October 12, 1918 
1919 

October 11, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
October 21, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
October 10, 1918 
March 3, 1919 
September 27, 1918 
March 3, 1918 
October 8, 1918 

September 16, 1918 
October 10, 1918 



4'20 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Name and Rank 

CoRPOBAL Edward J. Malone 

Private First Class Milton S. Mark. . . 

Private Victor A. Meckley 

Private William H. Meckley 

Private Moses G. Mertz 

Private Joseph Modica 

Prhate George H. Ott 

Private Paul H. Otz 

Private Adolpii Patsch 

Private George H. Raiger 

Pri\ate Urban W. Rossmak 

Private Lyman G. Saunders 

Private John A. Scanlon 

Private Norman C. Sherer 

Pri\ate First Class Harry H. Shimp. . . 

Private Charles S. Simpson 

Private Horatio Smith 

Private John W. Smith 

Private Walter O. Smith 

Private Edwin D. Stephens 

Private Anthony J. Stoe 

Private George E. Strausbaugh 

Private Lemon C. Stump 

Private Edward Swartzbaugh 

Private Gut M. Sweigert 

Private Charles E. Swisher 

Private First Class Archie L. Tanner. 

Corporal Jame.s J. Teskey 

Private Herman P. Tresselt 

Private George D. Umholtz 

Private Cl.4Rence B. Utter 

Private Paul H. Utz 

Private Delbert L. Vargason 

Cook John Wagner 

Corporal Arthur J. Warren 

Priv.^te James C. Watson 

Private Charles Witner 

Private George B. Woodward 

Private Oliver A. Zeiders 

Private George R. Zeigler 



Compaiti/ Date of Death 

E September 27, 1918 

B December 17, 1918 

C October i, 1918 

C October 11, 1918 

F October 2, 1918 

P October 9, 1918 

D September 9, 1918 

F 1918 

E September 29, 1918 

E October 17, 1918 

F Octotier 8, 1918 

E October o, 1918 

D September 18, 1918 

F October 14, 1918 

E October 11, 1918 

A September 26, 1918 

C October 9, 1918 

A September 13, 1918 

F February 5, 1919 

D September 2, 1918 

E October 5, 1918 

F October 12, 1918 

C October G, 1918 

F October 9. 1918 

P October 12, 1918 

B September 13, 1918 

E June, 1919 

E October 11, 1918 

F October 11, 1918 

D September 2, 1918 

B September 10, 1918 

F October 7. 1918 

C October 3, 1918 

F October 2, 1918 

F October 12, 1918 

B September 13, 1918 

A September 12, 1918 

F October 6, 1918 

D October 31, 1918 

B September 19, 1918 



304th engineer TRAIN 

ENLISTED MEN 

Name and Rank Date of Death 

§ Corporal Leighton V. Smith October 24, 1918 

§ Private Robert J. Johnson October 20, 1918 

* Private Harvey E. Kelley November 3, 1918 

* Private Benson C. Louden November 3, 1918 

* Horseshoer Robert P. Owens November 3, 1918 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 



421 



304th field signal BATTALION 

OFFICERS 

Xamc and liuiik Organhalion 

§ Major Zachariaii H. Mitchum Headquarters Dteht. 

f Second Lieutenant Harvey R. Jagger Company C 

ENLISTED MEN 

Compaiii/ 

§ ConrOKAL I'fXKXEY II. Bl'RTON C 

* Private First Class Lawrence R. Campbell C . 

t Private Cl,\rence Champ C 

t Private Frank C. Cole C 

§ Corporal Carl E. Goethe C 

§ Pri\ate Martin L. King C 

* Corporal Edgar R. Krengel C 

* Private George W. Kuhns C 

* Private Newton E. Long C 

t Private Raymond S. McGonigal B 

§ Corporal Harold Peterson B 

* Private Hexning O. Peterson C 

t Private Arthur D. Simonson C 

§ Private First Class Chauncev I. Stali.smith A 



Dale of Death 
January ii, 1919 
September '26, 1918 



Oc-toLer t, 1918 
September 29. 1918 
October 18, 1918 
October i, 1918 
April 8, 1919 
November 10, 1918 
Octol>er 1, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
October 6, 1918 
March 2, 1919 
November 6, 1918 
October 5, 1918 
October 15, 1918 



304th SANITARY TRAIN 



OFFICERS 

\aiiic and Hank 

§ First Lieutenant Casper S. Middlekauff 

* Second Lieutenant George E. Shipley 



Organization 



Date of Death 
.October o, 1918 
.October 11, 1918 



ENLISTED MEN 

Private First Class Haiirv \. .\ijcins .\mbiilance Co. 3H August 24, 1918 

Horseshoer Frank B. Aschenb.^ch .\mbulance Co. SIG August 24, 1918 

Ck)RPORAL William Benson .Vmbiilance Co. 314 September 29, 1918 

Prhate Walter M. Briggs .Vmbulance Co. 313 October 4, 1918 

Private. Clinton C. Buxdick Ambulance Co. 310 October 1, 1918 

Private Basil E. Garner .Ambulance Co. 316 October 1, 1918 

Priv.vte .Ioseph W. Daily .\mljulance Co. 313 September 26, 1918 

Serge.vnt Bertie W. David .\mbulancc Co. 314 September 29. 1918 

Priv.vte Earl N. Deiiner .\mbulancc Co. 314 May 2, 1919 

Private Carl L. Firor .\mbulance Co. 315 October 1. 1918 

Private George L. Flores Ambulance (.'o. 31.5 October 2, 1918 

Private 0.scar L. Gast .\mbulance Co. 310 September 29, 1918 

Priv.^te Linford B. Gebert Field Hospital 315 September 24, 1918 

Private Hervy Hammelef Ambulance Co. 315 October 14, 1918 

Priv.\te Thomas B. Ivens Ambulance Co. 315 October 2, 1918 

Priv.\te Fred G. Kleinm.\n Field Hospital 310 September 24, 1918 

Civilian Clerk William G. Korb September 25, 1918 

Priv.^^te Gaither L. Lewis Field Hospital 314 October 1, 1918 

Private Edward F. Mullin Field Hospital 314 September 24, 1918 

Priv.\te Joseph D. Murray ; .\mbulance Co. 314 September 28, 1918 

Private John Martocc i, Jh Ambulance Co. 314 November 22, 1918 

Wagoner .I.\mes E. OHara Field Hospital 310 September 26, 1918 

Private John P.^rker Ambulance Co. 314 September 28, 1918 

Private First Class Albert Philippe Ambulance Co. 313 September 29, 1918 



422 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Name and Rank Comjiany 

■ Private Joseph F. Reinhardt Ambulance Co. 31G 

I Private Ammon N. Repsher Field Hospital 313 

' Private First Class Harold C. Robinson Ambulance Co. 31-1 

■ Private Oscar H. Rollins Ambulance Co. 313 

■ Private Allen Shafer Field Hospital 316 

Private Michael Shaffer b Ambulance Co. 314 

Private John Smiley Field Hospital 313 

! Private Tiieron E. Smith Field Hospital 316 

i Sergeant Harry L. Stevens Field Hospital 316 

■ Private William G. Toone Ambulance Co. 316 

■ Corporal John Walsh Ambulance Co. 314 

I Private Paul R. Wheeler Ambulance Co. 314 

' Private Edward F. Wilson Ambulance Co. 314 



Dale nf Death 
October 26, 1918 
October '2, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 25, 1918 
December 15, 1918 
October 1, 1918 
September 25, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
September 30, 1918 
October 21, 1918 
October 7, 1918 
September 29, 1918 



304th supply TRAIN 

ENLISTED MEN 

Name and Rank ■ Company 

§ Private First Class Bert E. Bennett B 

§ Private Curvin A. Burger A 

§ Corporal William E. Care E 

§ Corporal Steever R. Day E 

§ Sergeant First Class Clarence C. Fltnn E 

§ Corporal Wilbur Gill A 

§ Private Leo A. Hopkins F 

§ Corporal Charles W. Jacobs D 

§ Corporal H.arry W. Miller C 

§ Private Joseph S. Miller D 

§ Private Edward Mullen C 

§ Sergeant Ernest L. Nelson C 

§ Corporal Charles Ottenbacher A 

§ Private Charles E. Pre.vtiss B 

§ Private Ray'mond R. Rotenberger F 

§ Corporal Edwin M. Skilton D 

§ Private Guy A. Smith D 

§ Private Tony Tirico C 

§ Private Allaire E. Woodson B 



Date of Death 
January 22, 1919 
November 20, 1918 
March 6, 1919 
February 25, 1919 
December 24, 1918 
March 2, 1919 
September 30, 1918 
March 5, 1919 
October 5, 1918 
March 3, 1919 
October 1, 1918 
January 15, 1919 
March 8, 1919 
October 9, 1918 
August 13, 1918 
March 10, 1919 
October 3, 1918 
November 2, 1918 
October 7, 1918 



304th ammunition TRAIN 

ENLISTED MEN 

Name and Rank Organization 

§ Private Herman C. Batterman Company C 

§ Private Harvey A. Bell Company A 

§ Corporal Amos E. Deiter Company B 

§ Corporal Williaji P. Derrickson Ordnance Detachment 

§ Private Michael J. Duff, Jr Company D 

§ Wagoner Howard P. Hudson AM Battalion 

§ Private Cloyd C. Leonard AM Battalion 

§ Private William F. Lowe AM Battalion 

§ Sergeant Wilson Lotd Company G 

§ Wagoner Elige E. Overleas Company G 

§ Private Ernest J. Parsons Hdq. Dtcht. Horse Bn. 

§ Private Clarence R. P.ate Hdq. Dtcht. Horse Bn. 



Dale of Death 
October 10, 1918 
September 23, 1918 
September 28, 1918 
November 10, 1918 
February 3, 1919 
October 2, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 29, 1918 
September 24, 1918 
February 21, 1919 
August 24, 1918 
February 15, 1919 



APPENDIX I— ROLL OF HONOR 423 

Name and Rank Company Dale of Death 

i Private Ray Reeser Company F March 25, 1!)1S) 

i Wago-VER Sam A. Sharlet Company B September '20, IDIS 

I Cook Leonard J. Stance B M Bn. October 5, 1018 

Private Amos M. Warfel C M Bn. November 20, 1918 



APPENDIX II 



RECAPITULATION 

TOTALS OF MEN KILLED. WOUNDED, 

MISSING AND TAKEN PRISONER, 

KILOMETERS GAINED 

PRISONERS TAKEN 

UNITS OF GERMAN ARMY OPPOSED 

TOTALS OF DECORATIONS AWARDED 

(When this History went to press it was not possible to get an authoritati\e summary of casual- 
ties: this necessitated the use ot.the following tables, compiled at various times and showing different 
totals in almost eveiy ca.se. — Editor's Note.) 

TOTAL CASUALTIES OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION* 

Officers Men 

Killed in Action 51 1,252 

Wounded in Action 207 5.447 

Missing in Action 173 

Total 2.58 6,872 



CASUALTIES BY OFFENSIVES** 

MoNTF.vucox Sector, on First Phase, Meuse-Argonne Offensive. September 26-October 1, 1918. 

Officers Men 

Killed in Action 22 278 

Wounded, Severely 26 456 

Wounded, Degree Undetermined 3 227 

Wounded, Slightly 48 1,467 

Gassed, Severely 2 23 

Gassed, Slightly 7 115 

Missing ; 749 

Total 108 3,315 

* Compiled before tlic return of the Division to the United States. The Statistical Branch, Gen- 
eral Staff, places the battle deaths at 1,396 and wounded at 6.194. 
** Compiled immediate.ly following each offensive. 

(424) 



APPENDIX II— RECAPITULATION 



425 



I/A Grande Montagne Sector, or Final Phase, Meuse-Argonne Offensive. October 29- 



^NOVEMBER 11, 1918 

Officers 

Killed in Action 10 

Wounded, Severely 26 

Wounded, Slightly 13 

Gassed, Severely 2 

Gassed, Slightly 11 

Missing at this time 2 

Captured 3 

Total 67 



Men 
453 
736 
711 
171 
104 
418 
43 

2,636 



KILOMETERS GAINED 
OR 
TOTAL ADVANCE OF THE DIVISION 

Montftiucon Sector 10 Kilos. 

Troyon Sector (Defensive, no advance) 

La Grande M ontagne Sector 9^ Kilos 

Total 1S}4 Kilos. 

AREA CAPTURED 

Montfaucon Sector 25 Sq. Kilos. 

Troyon Sector (Defensive, no advance) 

La Grande Montagne Sector 57 Sq. Kilos. 

Total 82 Sq. Kilos. 

PRISONERS TAKEN 

Montfaucon Sector 905 

Troyon Sector 23 

La Grande Montagne Sector 192 

Total 1120* 

* In the report of tlic .Statistical Branch, General Staff, the Division is credited witli 1.077 Prisoners. 

PRESUMED OR KNOWN ENEMY UNITS WHICH OPPOSED THE DIVISION 

Montfaucon Sector (First Phase, Mense-Argonne) 
loth German Division 
.37th German Division 
5th Bavarian Division 
117th Landstnrm Division 
Troyon Sector: 

8th Landwehr Di\ision 
13th Landwehr Division 
107th German Division 
35th Austro-Hungarian Division 
La Grande Montagne Sector (Last Phase, Meuse-Argonne) 
2'28th German Division 
192nd German Division 
20th German Division 
1st Landwehr Divisio 



426 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 








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APPENDIX II— RECAPITULATION 

CASIALTIES BY KXGAGEMEXTS 



427 



ENGAGEMENTS 



813th INFANTRY: 

(11 Meiise-Ai-gonne, Sept. 36-Sept. 30 . 

(2) Tiovon, Oct. 8-Oct. 25 

(3) .Mci.se-.\rgonne,Oct.2!)-Nov. 11. . 

Date Not Stated 



Total 

814th INIANTRY: 

(1) Meuse-.\rgonne, Sept. !2G-Scpl. 30. 

(2) Troyon, Oct. 8-Oct. 25 

(3) Mcii.se- Argonne, Oct. 29-Nov. 11. . 

Date Not Stated 



Total 

815th INl-ANTHY: 

(1) Meuse-.\igonne, Sept. 26-Sept. 30. 

(i) Trov.m, Oct. H-Oct. 2.5 

(3) Meuse-Argonne, Oct. 29-Nov. 11.. 
Date Not Stated 



Total 

816th INl'ANTin : 

(1) Meu.se-.Vrgiiniic. Sept. 26-.Sept. 30 

(2) Troyon. Oct. S-Oct. 25 

(3) Meiise-Argonne, Oct. 2i)-Nov. 11. 

Date Not Stated 



Total 

SlOtl, MA( IllNE (il N H.XTTALION: 

(1) xMeusc-Argynne, Sept. 2(i-Scpt. 30. 

(2) Trovon. Oct. S-Oct. 25 

(3) Meiise-Argonne, Oct. 2!>-Nov. 11.. 

Date Not Stated 



Total 

8Uth MACHINE GUN BATTALION. . . 

(1) Meuse-Aigonne, Sept. 26-Sept. 30 . 

(2) Troyon. Oct. 8-Oct. 25 

(3) Meusc-Argonne, Oct. 2!>-Nov. 11.. 

Date Not Stated 



Total 

812th MACHINE GUN B.\TTAL10N: 

(1) Meuse-Argonne, Sept. 2(i-Sept. 30. 

(2) Troyon, Oct. 8-Oct. 25 

(3) Men.se- .\rgoune, Oct. 29-Nov. 11 . 

Date Not Stated 



Total 

804th ENGINEERS; 

(1) Meuse-Argonne, Sept. 26-Sept. 30. 

(2) Troyon, Oct. 8-Oct. 25 

(3) Meuse-Argonne, Oct. 29-Nov. 11. . 

Date Not Stated 



Total. 



K. I. A. 



ce) 



(3) 



(I) 



(3) 



159 

5 

40 

5 

222 

99 

i 

100 

5 

213 

131 

5 

121 

4 

272 

163 
13 

151 
11 

346 



4 



(6) 

(1) 



(2) 



(8) 
(2) 



(4) 
(1) 



W. I. A. 



(1) 



9 

13 

3 (1) 

..7 

19 

9 

13 

22 
1 

2 



GASSED 



(56) 529 (194) 
35 (41 
233 
82 

11.33 

(27) 3.38 (107) 
24 (6) 
315 
38 



(.24) 401 (183) 
38 (4) 
327 



977 

(38) 462 (203) 
56 (6) 
441 



1206 

4 (4 
28 



(1) 



(1) 



(i) 



(2) 



(7) 



(3) 



(6) 



(7) 



37 



29 


(12) 


o 


(1) 


12 




28 

85 




27 


(9) 


2 


(1) 


33 




44 





120 



19 



13 



36 






69 (38) 
104 (2) 
63 



283 

60 (45) 

22 

93 

223 

83 (54) 
14 (3) 
76 

236 

89 (59) 
86 (4) 
170 

415 



11 

4 

13 



39 



41 

7 



(1) 



(2) 



(9) 



(1) 



K. I. A. ICilled in action W. I. A. Wounded in action 

Note. — Casualties reported for eaeli organization during tlie combat periods, are entered opposite tlie in- 
dicated engagement, and witliout parenthesis. Sucli as were reported as liaving occured subsecjuent to the 
last dale shown for any engagement, and prior to the flrst date shown for the next engagement, are placed in 
parentheses immediately after the engagement flgm-es. Any casualties reported as having occiu-red prior to 
the date shown for the Birst engagement of an organization, or so long after any preceeding one. that they 
were obviouslv more closely associated with a later one, were placed in parentheses immediately preceding 
the engagement flgiu-es. The same plan was followed both for the wounded and for the killed in action. 



4-28 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



TOTALS OF AWARDS OF DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS TO THE VARIOUS UNITS OF 

THE DIVISION 

Croix 

de G. H. Q. Division 

D. S. C. D. S. M. Guerre Citation Citation 

Division Hdqr 3 5 1 42 

157th Inf. Bgd 1 4 

313th Infantry 10 5 3 81 

314th Infantry 20 1 13 IS 90 

SllthM. G. Bn 5 1 4 25 

158th Inf. Bgd 12 7 

315th Infantry 30 26 14 132 

316th Infantry 12 11 9 111 

312th M. G. Bn 2 3 3 28 

310th M.G.Bn 4 4 3 12 

304th Engrs 11 1 40 

304thF. S. Bn 4 8 26 

304th Sup. Tr 6 

304th Sanitary Tr 4 1 18 

Red Cross and Y. M. C. A .2 

Frencli, attached to Division . . 13 

Totals..., 91 3 63 62 637 



APPENDIX III 
CHRONOLOGY 

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SEVEXTY-XIXTH DIVISION 

COMBAT SERVICE OF DIVISION 

SUCCESSIVE LOCATIONS OF DIVISION HEADQUARTERS 



CHRONOLOGY OF THE SEVEXTY-\L\TH DIVISION. 

May 18. 1917 Act of Congress authorized the formation of a National Army. 

.August io, 1917 Major General (then Brigadier General) Joseph E. Kuhn and staff arrived at 

Camp Meade, Maryland. 

.\ugust '29, 1917 First contingent of officers and N. C. O.'s arrived at Camp Meade. 

September 19. 1917 First contingent of selected men arrived at Camp Meade. 

April 6, 1918 Division paraded in Baltimore before President Wilson. 

July 8, 1918 Division commenced overseas movement, units sailing from Ilnljoken, New 

.Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

July li, 1918 First unit arrived in France. 

July 19, 1918 Division started for Twelfth Training .\rea but was diverted to Tenth Area, in 

vicinity of Prauthoy and Champlitte. 
September 9, 1918 . . . Left Tenth Training Area for Robert-Espagne Area and the Front. 
September I'i, 1918. . First units of Di\ision entered the line, relieving 157th French Di\ision in Sector 

304. 
September 26, 1918 — Commenced Meuse-Argonne Offensive; captured Haucourt and Malancourt. 
September 27, 1918 — Captured Montfaucon. 
September 28, 1918 — Captured Nantillois. 
September 30, 1918 — Relieved by Third Division and passed into II Colonial French Corps, in rear of 

Troyon Sector, excepting the 304th Engineers, which was attached to the 

Third Division. 

October 8, 1918 Relieved Twenty-sixth Division in Troyon Sector. 

304th Engineers relieved from offensive and Third Division and rejoined 79th 

Division. 
October 26-28, 1918..Relieved from Troyon Sector by Thirty-third Division. 

October 28-31, 1918.. Relieved Twenty ninth and part of Twenty-sixth Divisions in La Grande Mon- 
tague Sector. 

November 1, 1918 Participated in third phase of Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

November 0, 1918. . . Captured the Borne du Cornouiller (Hill 378). 

(429) 



430 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

November 9, 1918. .Captured Danvillers, Crepion, WavriUe, Giljercy, Etrayeand Mnirey. 

November 10, 1918. .Captm-ed HilKs 328 and 319. 

November 11, 1918. .Captured Ville-devant-Chauinont: .\rmi.stice ended Operations. 

November 11-26, 1918 Remained in same location and also took over area from Meuse Ri\er to Fres- 
nes-en- WoevTe . 

December 10, 1918 to 

February 1, 1919... 314th Infantry, less First and Second Battalions, guarded proi)ert.\' and main- 
tained order in Montmedy-Virton (Belgium) Stenay .\rea. 

December 26, 1918.. .Division moved to Soiiilly Area, south of A'erdun. 

February 27, 1919. . .Division Horse Show held at Pierrefitte. 

March 21, 1919 Division won Ninth Corps Horse Show at Lerouville. 

March 28, 1919 Division made five-day march to Fourth Training Area, north of Cliaumont. 

April 12, 1919 Division reviewed by General Pershing at Orquevaux. 

April 20, 1919 Division commenced move by rail; the artillery to St. Nazaire and the remainder 

of the Division to Nantes and Cholet Area. 

May ,1919 Remainder of Division commenced movement to Port of Embarkation, St. 

Nazaire. 

May 13, 1919 First unit of Division sailed for home. 

May 19, 1919 Last unit of Division sailed from France. 

COMBAT SERVICE OF DIVISION 

The Seventy-ninth Division held defensive sectors for thirty-four days and active or ulfensive 
sectors for nineteen days, as follows : 

(1) Sector 30i (Defensive) From September 12 to September 20, 1918; the entire Division participating 

with exception of the Artillery Brigade and the Ammunition Train, (Companies A, B and G. 
excepted. ) 

(2) Meuse-Argonne Offensive (First Phase — Active) From September 26 to September 30, 1918; same 

organizations participating, the 30-lth Engineers, however, remaining in the offensive until 
October 8, 1918 (and served with the Third Division as combat Engineers) . 

(3) Troyon Sector (Defensive) From October 8 to October 28, 1918; same organizations participating. 

(4) Meuse-Argonne Offensive (Final Phase — Active) From October 29 to November 11, 1918; entire 

Division with exception of Artillery Brigade participating. 

All organizations of the Division which carry colors or standards, with the exception of the Ar- 
tillery Brigade, are entitled to wear two silver bands and two streamers on the same — one for the two 
defensive sectors and one for the two phases of the Meuse-.'Vrgonne Offensive. 

Men of the units participating in these actions are similarly entitled to wear two bars on the Vic- 
tory Medal and two bronze stars on the ^'ictory Medal Ribbon. 

SUCCESSIVE LOCATIONS OF DIVISION HEADQUARTERS. 

Camp Meade, Maryland August 25, 1917 to July 6, 1918 

S. S. Leviathan July 7 to July 16, 1918 

Pontanezen Barracks July 16 to July 19, 1918 

Is-sur-Tille July 22 to July 23, 1918 

Mussy-sur-Seine, Cote d'Or July 23 to July 27, 1918 

Prauthoy, Haute Marne, Tenth Training Area July 27 to Septeml>er 8, 1918 

Vaux-sous-Aubign}' September 8 to September 9, 1918 

Revigny September 9, 1918 

Robert-Espagne September 9 to September 12, 1918 

Blercourt, Meuse September 13 to September 15, 1918 

Jouy-en-Argonne September 15 to September 25, 1918 

Hill 309, west of Montzeville September 25 to September 26, 1918 

P. C. Zouave, Hill 304 September 26 to September 27, 1918 

Haucourt and 600 meters southeast of Montfaucon September 27 to September 30, 1918 

Jouy-en-Argonne October 1 to October 4, 1918 



APPENDIX III— CHRONOLOGY 431 

Thillombois October i to October 8, 1918 

Troyon-sur-Meuse October 8 to October 20, 1918 

Dieue-sur-Meuse October 26 to Octol)er 29, 1918 

\'acherauville October 29 to November 8, 1918 

Molleville Farm November 9 to November 15, 1918 

Vacherauville November 15 to December 28, 1918 

Souilly, JMeuse December 28 to March 28, 1919 

Reynel, Haute Marne March 28 to April 22. 1919 

Rimaucourt AprU 22, 1919 

Nantes, Loire Inferieure April 2-t, 1919 

Reze-des-Nantes April 24 to May 15, 1919 

Nantes May 15 

St. Nazaire May 15 to May 18, 1919 

S. S. Kroonland May 18 to May 29, 1919 

Hoboken, Jersey City, Camp Dix, New Jersey May 29 to June C, 1919, when the 

Divbion was demobilized. 



APPENDIX IV 
DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 



DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS 
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL 

CROIX DE GUERRE 

G. H. Q. CITATIONS 
DIVISION CITATIONS 
MISCELLANEOUS UNIT CITATIONS 
WAR DEPT. CITATIONS 

AWARDS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS 

(For Extraordinary Heroism in Action) 



HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT, 79TH DIVISION 

Sergeant Thomas M. Rivel, 

Private First Cl.4.ss Arthur J. McCain, 

Private First Class Arthur S. Roberts, 

310TH MACHINE-GUN BATTALION 
Private John R. Bauernfeind, Company B, 
Private Dwight E. Lemon, Company B, 
Private Charles E. Simpson, Company A, 
Private Benjamin G. Stankunos, Company B. 

313TH INFANTRY 

Major Horatio N. Jackson, Medical Corps, 
Major Effingh.^m B. Morris, Jr., 
Chaplain John Carroll Moore, 
Captain HARRY INGERSOLL, 
Captain Frank R. Wheelock, 
First Lieutenant Royal C. Johnson, 
Sergeant Harry E. Forrest, Company I, 
Sergeant Ernest L. Hitchens, Company K, 
Corporal George L. Brown, Company K, 
Private Roland W. Abrams, Company K. 

(432) 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 433 

314th infantry 
Captain Chaeles K. MacDermut 
Captain Frederick A. Muhlenberg, 
Captain Henry M. Smith, 

First Lieutenant Lee M. English, Dental Corps, 
First Lieutenant Samuel J. AL^rks, Medical Corps, 
Second Lieutenant Howard A. Bair, 
First Sergeant Mike A. Hartmann, Company I, 
Sergeant ED\yARD W. Monahan, Company E, 
Sergeant Louis S. Smith, Company L 
Sergeant Peter Strucel, Company L, 
Corporal John Chyko, Company E, 
Corporal James A Larson, Company K, 
Corporal William J. Walsh, Company H, 
Private First Class Nolan L. Jordan, Company K, 
Private First Class Clifford M. Seiders, Machine-gun Company, 
Private John J. Auber, Company E 
Private Jacob Bolex, Company C, 
Private Calvin J. Chessman, Company E, 
Private Stanley Culver, Company C, 
Private John M. Ward, Medical Detachment. 

311th MACHINE-GUN BATTALION" 
First Sergeant Ralph A. Capen, Comi)any A, 
Sergeant J.\sies R. Mansfield, Medical Detaclnncnt, 
Corporal John J. Poillon, Company C, 
Private Charles I. Thomas. Company D. 
Private Perry W'. W'ilt, Company C. 

315 TH INF.VNTRY 
(Names of deceased in capitals.) 
Major Samuel Wilson Fleming. 
M.tJon Frederk K W. Mi L. Patterson, 
M.^joR WARD W. PIERSON, 
Captain William M. C.\rroll, Jr.. 
Captain Earl C. Offinoer, 
Captain Charles H. Tiuiiiman, 
Captain George L. Wright. 
First Lieutenant BENJAMIN lULLOCK, 
First Lieutenant Theodore Rosen, 
Second Lieutenant .TOHN T. OWENS, 
First Sergeant Joseph L. Kilrov, Company K, 
Sergeant Harry L. Greenwood. Company K, 
Sergeant PAUL B. JENKINS, Headquarters Company, 
Sergeant Ludwig J. Nachtmann, Machine-gun Company, 
Sergeant Arthur W. Olanson, Company K, 
Sergeant JOHN J. READ, Company C, 
Sergeant Jacob Recktenwald, Company C, 
Sergeant Bern.^^rd F. Swee.ney, Jr., Hea Iquarters Company, 
Corporal Benj.\min A. Evans, Company I, 
Corporal Joseph \. Keenan, Company L, 
Corporal Charles W. Palardy, Company F, 
Priv.we First Class Frank Lomonaco, Company K, 
Private W^illiam Bryson, Company I, 
Private AMERICO DIP.\SQl'.\LE, Company G, 



434 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Private Frank H. Flegel, Company L, 

Private Walter S. Goodman, Company E 

Pri\'ate Giacomo Masciarelli, Company L, 

Private Guiseppe Spadafora, Headquarters Company, 

Private William H. Swearinc.ex, Medical Detachment, 

Private EUGENE G. WATKINS, Company K. 

316th infantry 

Major WILLIAM S. MANNING, 
Captain BENJAMIN H. HEWIT, 

First Lieutenant Hank Welling, 

First Sergeant Samuel E. Phillipa, Company B, 

Sergeant Grover C. Sheckart, 

Corporal Gut M. Habecker, Company I, 

Corporal Charles M. Kidd, Company E, 

Pri\'ate First Class Tho»l\s H. Morris, 

Private First Class John Wilkins, Machine gun Company, 

Private Cl.arence F. Fret, Headquarters Company, 

Private Herman G. Paustian, Company D, 

Private Harold P. Rumberger, Company B, 

312th MACHINE GUN BATTALION 

Sergeant Carl Oscar Allison, Company C, 
Private First Class Joseph J. Milgram, Company A. 

304th ENGINEERS 

Captain Albert C. Rubel 

304th sanitary TRAIN 

First Lieutenant William D. McLelland, Medical Corps, 314th Ambulance 
Company, 

Sergeant James E. Stone, 314th Ambulance Company, 
Sergeant Donald L. Wagner, 314th Ambulance Company, 
Corporal Joseph W. Klapetzkt, 314th Ambulance Company. 

TEXT OF AAVARDS 

Roland AV. Abrams, Private, Company K, 313th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Crepion, France, November 3, 1918. While carrying a message from battalion to regimental 
headquarters. Private Abrams was seriously injured in the lungs and eyes by concentrated mustard 
gas, but he continued on his mission and reported back to battalion headquarters before seeking med- 
ical attention. Residence at enlistment: 1205 Poplar Grove Street, Baltimore, Md. 

Carl Osc.^r Allison, Sergeant, Company C, 312th Machine Gim Battalion. For extraordinary 
heroism in action in the .\rgonne Forest, November 2, 1918. In the face of direct machine-gun fire 
not more than 40 yards distant, he mounted a machine gun and succeeded in knocking out one of the 
enemy guns and taking 25 prisoners. Although seriously wounded during this most gallant exploit, 
he remained at his gun and ably assisted the advancing infantry until weakness and loss of blood forced 
him to go to the rear. Residence at enlistment: 1212 Morse Street NE., Washington, D. C. 

John J. Auber, Private, Company E, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near 
Samogneux, France, November 1, 1918. AMiile standing in the entrance of his dugout he saw a gren- 
ade, with fuse burning, rolling into the dugout where his comrades were sleeping. He picked up the 
grenade and attempted to throw it away, but it exploded in his hand, blowing off the hand and fore- 
arm. Residence at enlistment: 163 Fugger Street, Elm Grove. W. Va. 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 435 

HOWARD A. BAIR, Second Lieutenant, deceased, 314tli Infantry. For extraordinary heroism 
in action near Karricourt, France, \ovember i, 1918. Calling on liis platoon to follow, he pushed 
forward and attacked enemy machine-gun nests. After killing two of the enemy he himself was killed 
by a hand grenade while accepting the smrender of another of the enemy. Emergency address: Mrs. 
Frances Bair, mother. Rittman, Ohio. Residence at appointment: 48 .Seventeenth Avenue. Colum- 
bus, Ohio. 

John R. Bauerxfeind, Private, Company B, 310th Machine Gun Battalion. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near ^'erdun, France, November 5, 1918. With two other soldiers, he voluntarild 
left a place of safety, went forward -10 meters under machine-gim hre in plain view of the enemy, any 
rescued another soldier who had been blinded by a machine-gun bullet, and was helplessly staggering 
about. Residence at enlistment: 204 South Chester Street, Baltimore, Md. 

Jacob Boi.en, Private, Company C, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near 
Verdun, France, November 2, 1918. Although suffering from a painful shell-fragment wound in the 
head, he remained on duty with his platoon, exposing himself to machine-gun and sniper fire while 
acting as outpost. Advancing alone at daylight he reconnoitered what appeared to be a machine-gun 
position, returning with information which enabled his outguard to liettcr their location. Residence 
at enlistment: 3942 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

George L. Brown, Corporal, Company K, 313th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Montfaucon, France, September 27, 1918. He crawled ahead of his platoon and located and 
killed a sniper who had wounded him and several others, .\lthough seriously wounded, he remained 
in command of lii.s platoon imtil he was ordered to the rear, when he insisted on going back without 
assistance, though he was so weak he could hardly walk. Residence at enlistment: 2001 Lafayette 
.\venue, Baltimore, ild. 

WiLUA.M Brysox, Private, Company I, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Verdun, France, November 7, 1918. He volunteered to reconnoiter an enemy trench to determine 
its exact location and to ascertain whether or not it was protected by wire. His mission was accom- 
plished under heavy fire, and the information he obtained proved of the greatest assistance and value. 
Residence at enlistment: Decatur, .'Vrk. 

BENJAMIN BULLOCK, First Lieutenant, deceased, 3d Battalion, 315th Infantry. For extr^ 
ordinary heroism in action near Nantillois, France, September 28-29, 1918. On the afternoon of Sep- 
tember 28, Lieutenant Bullock displayed great bravery and fearlessness by assisting two wounded men 
to a place of safety while imder heavy sniper and artillery fire. On the morning of the 29th of Septem- 
ber he again demonstrated great bravery by advancing alone into a wood and killing a sniper. On 
the afternoon of the 29th of .September, while carrying a message to the regimental post of command, 
he was killed by a high-explosive shell. Emergency address: Benjamin Bullock, Jr., father, Ardmore, 
Pa. Residence at appointment: Ardmore, Pa. 

Ralph A. C.vpex, First Sergeant, Company A, 311th Machine Gun Battalion. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 29 to October 1, 1918. On September 29 Ser- 
geant Capen voluntarily left his place of safety and rescued a wounded comrade and brought him to a 
place of shelter. On October 1 he volunteered to assist in carrying rations to bis company, making 
repeated trips through heavy artillery fire and each time successfully accomplished his mission. Resi- 
dence at enlistment: 2900 Prairie Avenue, Mattoon, 111. 

WiLLi.vM M. Carroll, Jr., Captain, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near 
Nantillois, France, September, 29, 1918. Captain Carrol with a sergeant of his company, outflanked 
a machine-gun nest which was holding up their advance, shot one German non-commissioned officer 
who tried to escape, and captured two prisoners, the other occupants fleeing. The reduction of this 
machine-gun nest made it possible for the flank of the battalion to advance. Residence at appoint- 
ment: 47 Orient Way, Rutherford, N. J. 



436 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

John Chyko, Corporal, Company E, 31-tth Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near 
Moirey, France, November 10 1918. Taking command of a platoon in the absence of officers and 
sergeants, he led a successful assault. AVith a small detachment of his men, he wiped out several 
machine-gun nests, thereby aiding in the advance of his battalion. On the same evening, after estalj- 
lishing listening posts, he patrolled with three men 1 kilometer from the front line, thus establishing 
security of the battalion position for the night. Residence at enlistment: Beaver Valley, Pa. 

Calvin J. Cressman, Private, Company E, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Moirey, France, November 9, 1918, Private Cressman, first carrier for his automatic rifle team, 
advanced with a patrol against strong machine-gun positions. Although woimded five times he re- 
fused to be taken back and continued to load his automatic rifle in the faie of heavy machine-gun fire' 
Residence at enlistment: Station Avenue, Coopersburg, Pa. 

Stanley Culver, Private, Company C, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Moirey, France, November 10, 1918. During an ad\ance Private Culver, though suffering from 
wounds, carried important messages under heavy shell fire from battalion to company commander, 
refusing to have his wounds dressed until his mission was completed. He returned after treatment 
was given and remained at his work as runner, not allowing himself to be evacuated. Residence at 
enlistment: Town Hill, Pa. 

AMERICO DIPASQUALE, Private, deceased, Company G, Sloth Infantry. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near Verdun, France, November 11, 1918. He volunteered his services as a con- 
necting file, and during the course of operations was obliged to cross and recross fields swept by shell 
and machine-gun fire. His efforts were instrumental in keeping contact with the unit on his left. 
While he was thus engaged he was killed. Emergency address: Miss Rvith Mary Shaw, friend, 2833 
North Bambrey Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Residence at enlistment: 2903 North Taney Street, Phila- 
delphia, Pa. 

Lee M. English, First Lieutenant, Dental Corps, attached to 314th Infantry. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 29, 1918. Although he had received a very 
painful wound two days previous, he remained on duty at an aid station imder heavy shell fire until 
it was completely destroyed and many of the inmates and attendants killed or wounded. He assisted 
in caring for these wounded on the field until an aid station could be located farther to the rear. Resi- 
dence at appointment: 47 East Oak Street, Chicago, 111. 

Benjamin A. Evans, Corporal, Company I, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
north of Verdun, France, November 7, 1918. Corporal Evans, on the night of November 7, 1918, 
when hearing the company commander asking for volunteers to reconnoiter about 100 yards of un- 
known ground and locate an enemy trench, did volunteer and undertake the mission and accompanied 
by Private Bryson successfully accomplished the same and brought back \alualjle information. .\s a 
non-commissioned officer his example and courage aided greatly in holding his jjlatoon together. Resi- 
dence at enlistment; 2022 North Twenty-first Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Fr.\nk H. Flegel, Private, Company I, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Nantillois, France, September 29, 1918. When his platoon had been ordered to cover because of 
annihilating machine-gun and artillery fire. Private Flegel accompanied another soldier to the rescue 
of a comrade who was lying 300 yards distant. The journey was made through heavj' and continuous 
fire, but Private Flegel, with his fellow soldier, succeeded in bringing their wounded comrade to safety, 
Residence at enlistment: 2107 South Twentieth Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

S.\MUEL M. Fleming, Jr., Major, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near 
Beaumont, France, November 9, 1918. On the night of November 9, he received a serious and painful 
wound from a high explosive shell, but refused to be evacuated, and continued in command of his liat 
talion until the signing of the .Wmistice on November 11. He was exposed not only to heavy enemy 
fire but to severe weather conditions as well. Residence at appointment: 104 South Street, Harris- 
burg, Pa. 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 437 

HARRY E. FORREST, Sergeant, deeeased. Company I, 313th Infantry. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 26, 1918. He led his platoon in an attack 
against an enemy machine-gun nest wliich was impeding the progress of his company. During the 
course of the exploit he was killed l>y fire from the nest, hut his action enabled his men to accomplish 
the capture of 12 of tlie enemy, who were manning the guns in tlie nest. Emergency address: Mrs. 
Charles E. Forrest, mother. 71^1 Cumlierland Street, I?altiniorc, Md. Residence at enhstment: 712 
Cumberland Street, Baltimore, Md. 

Cl.\ren(E F. Frey. Private, nea<Iquarters Company, 31(ith Infantry. For extraordinary heroism 
in action near Verdun, France, Xovenilier 7, 1918. Acting as a runner Private Frey was sent from 
regimental headquarters to the front lines. On the way he was severely wounded by a fragment of 
sliell, but he continued on. despite weakness from loss of blood and dazed from shock. He delivered 
his message before being evacuated. Residence at enlistment : Red Lion, Pa. 

W.iLTEH O. Goodman. Private, Company E, 315th Infantry. For extraordinarj' heroism in ac- 
tion at MoUeville Farm, France, November 7, 1918, He vohmteered to carry wounded to the first- 
aid station, through continuous shell fire. After he became too exhausted to carry more, he continued 
to help those who could walk with assistance. Residence at enlistment: 1408 East Palmer Street, 
Pliiladelphia, Pa. , 

H.ARRY L. GREENWOOD, Sergeant, deceased. Company K, 315th Infantry. For extraordin- 
ary heroism in action near Malancourt, France, Scptemljcr 20, 1918. He personally led a patrol of 
four men against a macliine-gun which was holding up the advance, captured the gun and nine prison- 
ers. He inspired his men to greater effort by his excellent example, under heavy machine-gun fire, 
and was killed while reorganizing his platoon after a counter attack. Emergency address: Mrs. 
Greenwood, mother, 2839 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. Residence at enlistment: Same. 

Guy M. H.^becker. Corporal, Company I, 31Gth Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near \'erdun, France, November 4-6, 1918. While performing the duties of supply sergeant Corporal 
Habecker succeeded in getting food to his company, which was holding the outpost line. He led carry- 
ing parties through heavy shell fire bringing hot coffee and bread to the men. On one occasion he made 
the journey unaided, taking with him a large quantity of bread. Residence at enlistment: 353 Locust 
Street, Steelton, Pa. 

Mike A. Hautm.\nn", First Sergeant, Company I, 3Hth Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in 
action near Montfaucon, France, September 27, 1918. Sergeant Ilartmann advanced alone and 
silenced a machine-gun nest which was holding up an entire platoon. Residence at enlistment: 75 
Morgan Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. 

BENJAMIN H. HEWIT, Captain, deceased. Company F, 316th Infantry. For extraordinary hero- 
ism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 28—29, 1918. He led his men into battle with such 
fearlessness and valor that he was at all times able to reorganize and continue forward imder most 
difficult circumstances. Although wounded, he remained in command, always being under terrific 
shell and machine-gun fire, but not until he had received a second wound did he relinquish his com- 
mand. While being taken from the field he received a third wound. Emergency address: Oliver H. 
Hewit, father, Hollidaysburg, Pa. Residence at appointment: Hollidaysburg, Pa. 

Ernest L. Hitches, Sergeant, Company K, 313th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Crepion, France, November 7 and 8, 1918. While his battalion was conducting a relief, he and 
four members of his platoon were wounded by shell fire, .\fter he had taken the four wounded com- 
rades to a first-aid station, he immediately returned without treatment to himself, despite his severe 
suffering from three body wounds, and remained with his platoon until the completion of the relief. 
Residence at enlistment: 536 West Brice Street, Baltimore, Md. 



438 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

HARRY INGERSOLL, Captain, deceased, 313th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Montfaucon, France, September 26, 1918. He showed absokite disregard for personal danger in 
leading his company in an attack against an enemy position, strongly entrenched and protected by 
barbed-wire entanglements. Although he was killed at the enemy wire by machine-gun fire, his men 
inspired by his courage, carried on the attack and took the enemy position, which had been holding 
up the advance. Emergency address: Charles E. Ingersoll, father, 1815 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 
Pa. Residence at appointment, Penllyn, Pa. 

Horatio N. ,J.4ckson, Major, Medical Corps, attached to 313th Infantry. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 26 and 29, 1918. Constantly working in the 
face of heavy machine-gun and shell fire, he was most devoted in his attention to the wounded, always 
present in the line of advance, directing the administering of first aid and guiding the work of litter 
bearers. He remained on duty until severely wounded by high-explosive shells, when he was obliged 
to evacuate. Residence at appointment: 158 South Willard Street, Burlington, Vt. 

PAUL B. JENKINS, Sergeant, deceased. Headquarters Company, 315th Infantry. For extra- 
ordinary heroism in action near Gibercy, France, November 11, 1918. While installing telephone line 
his regiment started an attack. The enemy responded with a terrific barrage and before the commun- 
ication was completed Sergeant Jenkins was iu the midst of a heavy encounter. Bravely he remained 
at his post, endeavoring to establish telephone service, but was instantly killed by shell fire. Emer- 
gencj' address: Mrs. Eunice G. Strother, sister, Franklinton, N. C. Residence at enlistment: 2600 
Nortli Eleventh Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Royal C. Johnson, First Lieutenant, 313th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action at 
Montfaucon, France, September 26-27, 1918. He constantly exposed himself to the enemy fire during 
the action at Montfaucon, setting an example to his men by his fearlessness. When severely wounded 
by shell fire he assisted two wounded men of his company to the rear and refused to occupy space in 
the ambulance until these men had been provided for. Residence at appointment: 65 Spruce Street, 
Oneonto, N. Y. 

NoL,\N L. JoRD.'iN, Private, First Class, Company K, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism 
in action near Malancourt, France, September 26, 1918. Private Jordan, with another soldier of his 
platoon, outflanked a machine gun in advance of our line, killed three of the crew and captured two 
others, together with the machine gun. Residence at enlistment: R. F. D. No. 2, Courtland, Va. 

Joseph A. Keexan, Corporal, Company L, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Nautillois, France, September 29, 1918. When his platoon had been ordered to cover because of 
annihilating machine-gun and artillery fire. Corporal Keenan accompanied another soldier to the res- 
cue of a comrade who was lying 300 yards distant. The journey was made through heavy and con- 
tinuous fire, but Corporal Keenan, with his fellow soldier, succeeded in brmging their wounded comrade 
to safety. Residence at enlistment: 2955 Aromingo Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Charles M. Kidd, Corporal, Company E, 316th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Verdun, France, November 10, 1918. While his company was being held up by machine-gun fire. 
Corporal Kidd led his squad, in spite of a severe leg wound, against the machine-gun, killing the gunner 
and clearing the way for the advance of his company. Residence at enlistment: New Freedom, Pa. 

Joseph F. Kilrot, First Sergeant, Company K, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in 
action near Verdun, France, November 4, 1918. He led a patrol of five men to flank a machine-gun 
nest, but heavy machine-gun fire caused the loss of the other members of the patrol. He picked up the 
automatic rifle of a fallen comrade and by his effective and severe fire rendered valuable aid in breaking 
up a local counterattack which was forming. Residence at enlistment: 2731 East Lehigh Avenue, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 439 

Joseph W. Klapetzky, Corporal, 314th Ambulance Company, 304tli Sanitary Train. For ex- 
traordinary heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September '2!), 1!)18. He went through heavy 
shell fire into a burning dressing station which he knew contained a large quantity of ammimition, in 
order to rescue two wounded German prisoners. He succeeded in carrying them to safety. Residence 
at enlistment: 617 Katherine Street, Syracuse, N. Y. 

James A. Larson, Corporal, Company K, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Malancourt, France, September 26, 1918. He, with another soldier from his platoon, outflanked 
a machine-gun in advance of our line, killed three of the crew and captured two others, together with 
the machine-gun. Residence at enlistment; Blossliurg, Pa. 

DwicnT E. Lemon, Private, Company B, 310th Machine Gun Battalion. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near Verdun, France, November 8, 1918. When his comrades, many of whom were 
wounded, were suffering from want of water, he took their canteens and went 200 meters to the rear 
under heavy artillery and machine-gim fire; here he filled the canteens at a spring and returned through 
intense fire, under direct observation of machine gunners and snipers. Residence at enlistment: Lis- 
ten, Ind. 

Fhaxk Lo.moxaco, Private, First Class, Company K, 31.5th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism 
in action in the Meuse-Verdun offensive, November 4 and 5, 1918. In the performance of his duties 
as runner he made repeated journeys across areas swept by machine-gun fire, but he never hesitated 
in the execution of his mission. On the firing line he was of most valuable assistance in destroying a 
counterattack. Residence at enlistment: 87 Knickerbocker Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. 

.AuTHUR J. McCain, Private, First Class, Headquarters Detachment, 79th Division. For extra- 
ordinary heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 28-30, 1918. While acting as a divi" 
sion observer Private McCain remained constantly on duty for several days in a building on the heights 
of Montfaucon. While in the building portions of it were destroyed by direct artillery fire, and hostile 
shelling was such that other observers located in the same building withdrew to a safer place. Private 
McCain, however, remained constantly at his post of duty and obtained important information. Resi- 
dence at enlistment: 224 Third .\venue, Watertown, S. Dak. 

Charles K. MAcDER.MnT, Captain, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near 
Moirey, France, November 10, 1918. Although seriously wounded by three machine gun bullets 
while reconnoitering. Captain MacDermut continued to direct his troops and refused to receive med- 
ical treatment or to allow stretcher bearers to come to the exposed position until night. Residence at 
appointment: 127 Park Street, Leonia, N. J. 

William D. McLelland, First Lieutenant, Medical Corps, 314th .\mbulance Company, 304th 
Sanitary Train. For extraordinary heroism in action near Nantillois and Montfaucon, France, Sep- 
tember 29 to October 1, 1918. Lieutenant McLelland. near Nantillois, displayed untiring energy in 
bringing in the wounded while continually subjected to machine-gim and shrapnel fire. It was neces- 
sary to move the dressing station to some abandoned German dugouts because of the heavy fire, and 
during the bombardment this station was set on fire and six men killed, btit Lieutenant McLelland, 
by his coolness and courage, enabled the speedy evacuation of the wounded. Address: Care of The 
Adjutant General of the Army, Washington, D. C. Entered military service from North Carolina. 

WILLIAM S. MANNING, Major, deceased, 316th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in 
action near Verdun, France, November 5, 1918. Leading his command in the face of extremely heavv 
artillery and machine-gun fire, he displayed remarkable bravery and coolness in reorganizing his battal- 
ion after severe losses had been inflicted on them. By continuous encouragement and daring he di- 
rected operations to the successful gaining of his objective. During the operations he was instantly 
killed by a machine-gun bullet. Emergency address: Governor Manning, father. Executive Mansion, 
Columbia, S. C. Residence at appointment: 1769 Columbia Road, Washington, D. C. 



440 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

James R. Mansfield, Sergeant, Medical Detachment, 311th ^Machine Gun Battalion. For 
extraordinary heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 29, 1918. Administering first 
aid in a most exposed position. Sergeant Mansfield rendered most valuable assistance not only to 
casualties from his own command, but also to those from other organizations. He continued with his 
work, although wounded, and refused to leave for the rear until ordered to do so by his commanding 
officer. Residence at enlistment: South Main Street, Haydenville, Mass. 

Samuel J. JNIarks, First Lieutenanl, Medical Corps, attached to 314th Infantry. For extra- 
ordinary heroism in action near Malancourt, France, September 27-28, 1918. Lieutenant Marks 
advanced with the foremost elements of his battalion, dressing and evacuating the wounded under 
machine-gira fire for a period of 12 hours. On September 29, when his aid station was shelled, se\eral 
patients and attendants being killed and wounded, this officer, though himself wounded, remained at 
his post caring for patients who had received fresh wounds and assisted in their evacuation. Residence 
at appointment: Philipsburg, Pa. 

Giacomo Masciarelli, Private, Company L, 31.3th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Malancourt, France, Septemljer 26, 1018, Private Masciarelli alone charged a machine-gun nest 
which was holding up the advance of his platoon. With a flanking fire, lie killed one member of the 
crew and caused the rest to surrender. His prisoners consisted of one non-commissioned officer and 
seven privates. Residence at enlistment: 1424 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Joseph J. Milgram, Private, First Class, Company A, 312th Machine-gun Battalion. For extra- 
ordinary heroism in action near Grand-Montagne, France, November 8, 1918. Private Milgram, on 
duty as a battalion runner, displayed remarkable daring in frequently going through heavy fire in order 
that communication might be maintained. Upon being sent out to locate the advanced units he was 
repeatedly fired upon by snipers and attacked with hand grenades, but succeeded in returning with 
valuable information, although two other runners accompanying him became casualties. Residence 
at enlistment: 19.56 Dalkeith Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Edward V. Mon.^han, Sergeant, Company E, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in 
action near Moirey, France, November 10, 1918. Wounded in the face by a machine-gun IjuUet, he 
refused to be evacuated, but continued to lead his platoon in a successful attack with the bullet still 
in his flesh, .\fter securing first-aid treatment next morning, he learned that his company was advanc- 
ing again, whereupon he returned and led his platoon in an assault on the Cote Romagne. Residence 
at enlistment: Centralia, Pa. 

JoHX Carroll Moore, Chaplain, 313th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near 
Montfaucon, France, September 27, 1918. Though wounded on September 26, he remained with 
the attacking lines of his regiment, ministering to the dying and aiding the wounded. After entering 
an enemy trench, with a group of men, a grenade was thrown in their midst, and, in utter disregard 
of personal safety, he grabbed the grenade to throw it from the trench. It exploded just after leaving 
his hand, seriously wounding him in several places. 

EFFixGH.tM Buckley Morris, Jr., Major, 313th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Montfaucon, France, September 27, 1918. Leading his battalion in attack. Major Morris, then 
a captain, was painfully wounded in the leg, but continued in command during the four days' action 
that followed. By his persistence in remaining, despite his severe wound, he set an example which 
contributed largely to the success of the operations. Residence at appointment: 22,5 South Eighth 
Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Thomas H. Morris, Private, First Class, 316th Infantrj-. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Montfaucon, France, September 30, 1918. Although severely wounded in the thigh, he con- 
tinued to carry messages from the line to battalion headquarters, exposed at all times to terrific ma- 
chine gun fire. Residence at eidistment: 5005 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 441 

Frederick A. Muhlenberg. Captain, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary lieroism in action 
near Xantillois, France, Sei)temljer 26-30, 1918. .\.s regimental adjutant he displayed the utmost 
flisregard for personal danger in assisting his regimental commander in maintaining liaison with the 
front lines. After being painfullj- wounded and gassed by a bursting gas shell, this officer refused to 
be evacuated, but remained on duty, carrying orders to the front line and bringing back valuable in- 
formation, until he was ordered to the rear. Residence at appointment: 34 South Fifth Street, Read- 
ing, Pa. 

Li'DWiG .1. X.vciiTM.\NX, Sergeant, Machine gun Company, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near Danvillcrs, France, November 9, 1918. Although seriously wounded, he re- 
mained at his post and continued to direct the fire from his section under heavy shell fire until carried 
away by first-aid men. Residence at enlistment: Bustleton Station, Philadelphia, Pa. 

E.\RL C. Offi.n'ger, Captain, 313th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Xan- 
tillois, France, September 29, 1918. While leading his company imder heavy shell and machine-gun 
fire he received severe arm wounds. He was obliged to return for treatment to a first-aid post and 
advised to go to the rear. Refusing, he returned to his lines, reorganized his company, and formed 
their position before c\acuated. .\ddress; Care of The .\djutant General of the Army, Washington, 
D. C. Residence at appointment: Xorthampton, Mass. 

.\rtiiur W. Oi..\nson, Sergeant, Company K, 31.5th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in 
action near Xantillois, France, September 29, 1918. Sergeant Olanson, with his company commander, 
outflanked a machine-gun nest which was holding up their advance, shot one German non-commis- 
sioned otficcr who tried to escajie, antl captured two prisoners, the other occupants fleeing. The re- 
duction of this machine-gun nest made it jiossiblc for the flank of the battalion to advance. Residence 
at enlistment: 2221 South Twenty-third Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

JOHX^ T. OWEX^S, Second Lieutenant, decea.sed, 31.")th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism 
in action near Verdun, France, Xovembcr 4, 1918. .\fter locating three machine-gun positions. Lieu- 
tenant Owens put one of them out of action with an automatic rifle by killing the gimners and forcing 
the carriers to abandon the gun. He was killed by machine-gun fire while reorganizing liis company 
after a local counterattack. Emergency address: Mrs. Julia Owens, mother, 71 Laurel Street, Hart- 
ford, Conn. Residence at appointment: 71 L.aure! Street, Hartford, Conn. 

CH.A.RLES W. P.\L.4RDY, Corporal, Company F, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in 
action near Danvillcrs, France, X'ovemlier 10, 1918. He went to the aid of a wounded comrade about 
200 yards in advance of our lines through sniper and machine-gun fire and brought him safely to cover. 
He was wounded while returning on his self-appointed mission. Residence at enlistment: 667 X'orth 
Warwick Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Frederick W. McL. P.^ttbeson, Major, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near X'^antillois, France, September 28-29, 1918. After being severely wounded in the left leg he con- 
tinued throughout the night to exercise command of his battalion at a critical time. He refused med- 
ical aid until the morning of the 29th, and was evacuated by order of the regimental commander. Resi- 
dence at appointment: 236 Park .\ venue, Ben .\von, Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Herman G. P.^ustian, Private, Company D, 316th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in 
action near Verdun, France, X'^ovember 7, 1918. He advanced ahead of his battalion during a heavy 
barrage, trying to locate a small group of Americans who had become lost. For two days and nights 
he carried messages from one shell hole to another, having no food or water during that period. His 
work was carried on under intense bombardment at all times, but with great courage he remained at 
his task, killing at least two enemy snipers. Residence at enlistment: 3871 East Sixty-second Street, 
Kansas City, Mo. 



442 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Samuel E. Philufs, First Sergeant, Company B, 316th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism 
in action near Montfaucon, France, September 26-30, 1918. During the entire four days of action 
he exposed himself to the dangers of artillery and machine-gun fire, assisting in every way possible to 
insure the success of the advance. He made repeated trips to the rear, and either m-ged his comrades 
forward or led them up to their positions. So strenuously did he labor during the entire action that 
at the end of the fourth day he was so exhausted from strain and shell shock that he was taken from 
the field. Residence at enlistment: Greencastle, Pa. 

WARD W. PIERSON, Major, deceased, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Etraye, France, November 8-9, 1918. He displayed the highest courage and leadership reconnoi- 
tering the enemy's position under heavy shell and machine-gun fire. He was killed while in the per- 
formance of this act. Emergency address: Mrs. Ward W. Pierson, wife, 4012 Spruce Street, Phila- 
delphia, Pa. Residence at appointment: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa. 

John J. Poillon, Corporal, Company C, 311th Machine-gun Battalion. For extraordinary hero- 
ism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 29, 1918. Although engaged as company clerk, 
when the platoon to which he was attached was required to advance over a heavily shelled territory. 
Corporal Poillon volunteered and carried messages from his company commander to the platoon, the 
journey being made under the most hazardous conditions and under severest shell fire. Residence at 
enlistment: Milford, Pa. 

John J. Read, Sergeant, Companj' C, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near MoUeville Farm, north of Verdun, France. November 5, 1918. Sergeant Read led the advance 
of his platoon through heavy enemy fire in the attack against a strongly held enemy position. Al- 
though cut off from his company he continued to advance until mortally wounded. Prior to the 
performance of the above act he distinguished himself by volunteering to conduct and conducting 
ration details over routes exposed to heavj' artillery fire. Next of kin: John J. Read, father, 1609 
West York Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Residence at enlistment, 1609 West York Street, Philadelphia, 
Pa. 

Jacob Recktenwald, Sergeant, Company C, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in 
action near Gibercy, France, November 7—10, 1918. On the night of November 7 he risked his own 
life in heavy artillery fire, going from shell hole to shell hole helping his wounded comrades. On No- 
vember 10 he distributed rations to the men of his company under shell and machine-gun fire. Resi- 
dence at enlistment: 2325 Fletcher Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Thomas M. Rivel, Sergeant, Headquarters Detachment. For extraordinary heroism in action near 
Montfaucon, France, September 28-30, 1918. While acting as a division observer. Sergeant Rivel 
remained constantly on duty for several days in a building on the heights of Montfaucon. While 
in this building portions of it were destroyed by direct artillery hits, and hostile shelling was such that 
other observers located in the same building withdrew to a safer place. He, however, remained con- 
stantly at his post of duty and obtained important information. Residence at enlistment: 245 South 
Fifty-third Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Arthur S. Roberts, Private, Headquarters Detachment. For extraordinaryheroism in action 
near Montfaucon, France, September 28-30, 1918. While acting as a division observer Private 
Roberts remained constantly on duty for several days in a building on the heights of Montfaucon. 
While in this building portions of it were destroyed by direct artillery hits, and hostile shelling was 
such that other observers located in the same building withdrew to a safer place. Private Roberts, 
however, remained constantly at his post of duty and obtained important information. Residence 
at enlistment: 206 South Forty-third Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Theodore Rosen, First Lieutenant, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in the Grande- 
Montagne Sector, north of Verdim, November 4, 1918. While on reconnaissance with two other of- 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 443 

ficers. Lieutenant Rosen drew fire from a machine-gun nest in order to allow the other two officers to 
escape. A few minutes later he and two runners were sent into the Hois d'Etraye in order to locate 
the left flank. Lieutenant Rosen again came imder close-range fire of the enemy. The runner, who 
was some yards in rear escaped but Lieutenant Rosen, who had been terribly wounded by a hand gren- 
ade, unable to move or resist by further fighting, was taken prisoner. .Address: Care of The .\djutant 
General of the Army, Washington, D. C. Residence at appointment: 3'215 Clifford Street, Philadelphia. 
Pa. 

Albert C. Rubel, Captain, 304th Engineers. For extraordinary heroism in action near jMont- 
faucon, France, September 26, 1918. While reconnoitering to locate the Avocourt-ilalancourt Road 
he was held up by an enemy machine gun on the parapet of a trench running parallel to the road. He 
proceeded ahead of two men of his platoon and personallj- disposed of the two German gunners. Resi- 
dence at appointment: 421 North Broadway, Greensburg, Ind. 

Harold P. Rumberoer, Private, Company B, Sltith Lifantry. For extraordinary heroism in 
action near Bois de Montfaucon, France, September 26, 1918. Failing to reduce a machine-gun nest 
with his rifle, he returned, procured an automatic rifle, attacked tlie nest the second time, and success- 
fully reduced it. Residence at enlistment: 21 West Third Street, Wa3'nesboro, Pa. 

Clifford M. Seiders, Private, First Class, Machine-gun Company, ,314th Infantry. For extra- 
ordinary heroism in action near Malanconrt, France, September 2G, 1918. Advancing ahead of his 
platoon in the face of heavy machine-gun fire. Private Seiders entered alone a ruined building and dis- 
covered 13 of the enemy. He shot one who resisted capture and made prisoners of the remaining 12, 
bringing in with him tlu-ee light machine-guns. Later in the same day he captured 10 of the enemy 
and five machine-guns. Residence at enlistment: 109 North fifty-fifth Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Grover C. Sheckart, Sergeant, 316th Infantrj-. For extraordinary heroism in action near Mont- 
faucon, France, September 29, 1918. After his commanding oflicer had been woimded and taken 
from the field. Sergeant Sheckart reorganized two platoons of his company and led them into a thick 
woods against strong machine-gun nests. He advanced alone against a machine gun crew, killed the 
officer in charge, and took four prisoners. He continued to lead his men during the advance of that 
day, in spite of a wound in the foot, which caused his e\acuation in the evening. Residence at enlist- 
ment: 137 West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, Pa. 

Charles E. Simpson, Private, Company A, 310th Machine-gun Battalion. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near Verdun, France, November 5, 1918. With two other soldiers, he voluntarily 
left a place of safety, went forward 40 meters under machine-gun fire in plain view of the enemy, and 
rescued another soldier who had been blinded by a machine-gun bullet and was helplessly staggering 
about. Residence at enlistment: Great Bend, Pa. 

Henry M. Smith, Captain, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Malan- 
conrt, France, September 2(5, 1918. Although painfully wounded while leading a platoon of his com- 
pany against strong machine-gun nests. Captain Smith continued the advance until all the machine 
guns in his immediate front were silenced and the crews killed or taken prisoners. He continued on 
duty until ordered to the rear by his regimental commander. Residence at appointment: 123 Seminary 
Avenue, Greensburg, Pa. 

Louis S. Smith, Sergeant, Company I, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Montfaucon, France, September 27, 1918. He advanced alone and silenced a machine-gun nest 
which was holding up the advance of his section. Residence at enlistment: Dalton, Pa. 

Guiseppe Spadafora, Private, Headquarters Company, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 29, 1918. He was helping to remove a great 
many wounded men from a dressing station to a place of comparative safety when a heavy enemy 
bombardment began. He forced four German prisoners to assist him and repeatedly entered the 



444 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

licavily shelled area, bringing out wounded men. Residence at enlistment: 2400 West Harold Street, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

Benjamin G. St.\nkunos, Private, Company H, 310th Machine-gun Battalion. For extraordin- 
ary heroism in action near Verdun, France, November 5, 1918. With two other soldiers. Private Stank- 
unos voluntarily left a place of safety, went forward 40 meters under machine-gun fire in plain view of 
the enemy, and rescued another soldier who had been blinded by a machine-gun bullet and was help- 
lessly staggering about. Residence at enlistment: 1770 West Wood Street, Shamokin, Pa. 

James E. Stone, Sergeant, .314th Amlnilance Company, 304th Sanitary Train. For extraordin- 
ary heroism in action near Nantillois, France, September 29, 1918-October 1, 1918. While on duty 
at the ambulance dressing station Sergeant Stone heard the report that there were several wounded 
men on a wooded hill ex-posed to enemy machine-gun fire. He volunteered and brought the woimded 
men in, which necessitated several trips under heavy fire. On many more occasions during the fighting 
around Montfaucon he exposed himself to the enemy fire in rescuing the wounded. Residence at 
enlistment: 1'224 Tripitt Street, Owensboro, Ky. 

PF.TER STRUCEL, Sergeant, deceased. Company L, ,S14th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism 
in action near Montfaucon, France, September 26, 1918. During an attack and under hea\y machine- 
gun fire. Sergeant Strucel showed exceptional courage and devotion to duty by constantly walking up 
and down the line cheering and encouraging his men. In the performance of this task he was killed. 
Emergency address: Mrs. Barbary Strucel, mother, 430 Seventh Street, Calumet, Mich. Residence 
at enlistment: 430 Seventh Street, Calumet, Mich. 

William H. Swearingen, Private, Medical Detachment, Sloth Infantry. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near Cote de Morimont, France, October 26-November 10, 1918. Hearing a call for 
help, he went from cover to a position 300 yards distant, and, in the face of incessant machine-gun 
and sniper fire, gave first aid to a wounded comrade. He then provided some shelter for the wounded 
man and himself and remained until dark, at which time he returned to safety, carrying the man with 
him. Residence at enlistment: Elida, New Mexico. 

Bernard F. Sweeney, Jr., Sergeant, Headquarters Company, Sloth Infantry. For extraordin- 
ary heroism in action near Brabant, France, October 31, 1918. On the night of October 31 he made 
a dozen trips to repair telephone wires broken by the continuous shelling of the area. Early the next 
morning he was wounded while still in the performance of his duty. Residence at enlistment: 4020 
North Fifth Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Charles I. Thomas, Private, Company D, 311th Machine-gim Battalion. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near Nantillois, France, September 29, 1918. He was detailed as a runner between 
the battalion commander and his company. While delivering messages he was severely wounded, 
but continued in the performance of his duty, refusing aid, until ordered to the rear by his battalion 
commander. Residence at enlistment: Dillsburg, Pa. 

Charles H. Tilghman, Captain, 31.5th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near 
Nantillois, France, September 28, 1918. After having been wounded in the head by a piece of high- 
explosive shell, which slightly fractured his skull and rendered one eye useless. Captain Tilghman 
insisted on remaining with his command. Throughout the night of constant rain and continual gas 
attacks, he encouraged his demoralized troops, remaining with them until evacuated on the following 
morning. Residence at appointment: Easton, Md. 

Donald L. Wagner, Sergeant, 314th Ambulance Company, 304th Sanitary Train. For extra- 
ordinary heroism in action near Montfaucon, France, September 29, 1918. He heard a cry for help 
while in a dugout having his o%\'ii wounds dressed. Although it was during particularly heavy shell 
fire, he immediately went outside and carried the wounded man to shelter. Later that day, when 
the dressing station caught fire, he made his way into the burning dressing station under heavy shell 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 445 

fire and secured surgical equipment necessary to save a patient's life. Residence at enlistment: '25H 
North Liberty Street, Winston-Salem, N. C. 

A\ ILLIAM J. AValsh, Corporal, Company H, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action 
near Montfaucon, France, September 27, 1918. \Miile leading a scouting patrol 300 meters in advance 
of his company he was fired upon from enemy machine-gun points. Several of his patrol were wounded, 
but after carrying one man to shelter and assisting the others he continued imder hea\y fire, locating 
si.K machine-gun nests and shooting the entire crew of one of them, liesidence at enlistment: 409 
Kane Street, Minooka, Pa. 

John M. Ward, Private, Medical Detachment, 314th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in 
action near Flabas, France, November 10, 1918. Under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire. Private 
Ward waded through a swamp, administered first aid to a wounded soldier, and then carried the latter 
to safety. Residence at enlistment: 65 Willow .\\enue, Hoboken, N. J. 

EUGENE G. WATKINS, Private, deceased, Company K, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near Verdun, France, November 1, 1918. While acting as runner between battalion 
and regimental headquarters, he received severe wounds, but continued on with his mission to his 
destination, which was reached just before he died. .Vfter being wounded he covered a distance of 
approximately 300 meters to deliver his message. Emergency address: Mrs. .\nna Watkins, mother 
810 Mansion Street, Bristol, Pa. Residence at enlistment: Same. 

Hank Welling, First Lieutenant, 31Cth Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near 
Montfaueon, France, September 27, 1918. .\fter being severely woimded in the side Lieutenant Well- 
ing refused to be evacuated, but continued to lead his platoon in the attack. Throughoiit the after- 
noon and evening he remained with his men. insi)iring them by his courage and fortitude in spite of in- 
tense pain, it ijeing necessary to carry him when a temporary « ithdrawal of the line was made. Resi- 
dence at ajipointment: Newton, Pa. 

FiUNK R. WiiEELOCK, Captain, Medical Coips, attached to 313th Infantry. For extraordinarj- 
heroism in action near Malancourt, France, September 26-30, 1918. Working in areas that were 
continually being swept by machine-gun, rifle, and shell fire. Captain Wheelock worked voluntarily and 
unceasingly, giving aid, food, and water to the wounded. Throughout the entire operations he showed 
utter disregard for his own safety, being knocked down many times by shell explosions. For two 
nights he worked as a stretcher bearer, carrying patients to places of safety, after giving them medical 
attention during the day. Residence at appointment: 834 North Main Avenue, Scranton, Pa. 

John Wilkins, Private, First Class, Machine-gun Company, 310th Infantry. For extraordinary 
heroism in action near ^'erdun, France, November 3-4, 1918. Repeatedly volunteering to act as 
runner, Private Wilkins made several hazardous journeys from headquarters to the machine-gun posi- 
tions, a distance of 500 meters, at all times subjected to intense artillery bombardment. Residence at 
enlistment: 3138 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Perry W. Wilt, Private, Company C, 311th Machine-gun Battalion. For extraordinary heroism 
in action near Montfaueon, France, September 29, 1918. While performing his duties as company 
runner he passed through an intensely shelled area on six different occasions and expressed a willingness 
to make several more trips, as the situation required. While making his last journey across the area 
he was severely wounded. Residence at enlistment: Swanton, Md. 

George L. Wright, Captain, 315th Infantry. For extraordinary heroism in action near Malan- 
comt, France, September 28, 1918, and November 6, 1918. On September 28, in order to save his 
men, he crossed a clearing under heavy machine-gun fire to secme information of the troops on his 
fiank. On November 6 he set a splendid example to his men, under heavj' shell fire, by going from 
shell hole to shell hole, encouraging them and directing them to safe places. Residence at appointment: 
103 Jacoby Street, Norristown, Pa. 



446 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

AAVARDS OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL 

{For Exceptionally Meritorious and Distinguished Services.) 

TEXT OF THE AWARDS 

James P. Jervey, Colonel, Coqjs of Engineers, United States Army. For exceptionally meritori- 
ous and distinguished services. As commanding officer of the 304th Engineers, he performed his ex- 
acting duties with signal ability. His high technical skill and unflagging energy were largely responsible 
for keeping the roads in condition for the transportation of artillery and large quantities of supplies 
during the attack on Montfaucon and Nantillois in the latter part of September. By his great eflForts 
he proved a potent factor in the successes achieved during these operations. Address: Care of The 
Adjutant General of the Army, Washington, D. C. Entered U. S. Military Academy from Georgia. 

William J. Nicholson, Brigadier General, Infantry, United States Army. For exceptionally 
meritorious and distinguished services. He commanded with distinction the 157th Infantry Brigade 
from its organization to the time of the armistice — at all times with credit to himself and to his com- 
mand. Address: Care of The Adjutant General of the Army, Washington, D. C. Entered military 
service from the District of Columbia. 

WiLLi.^M H. OuHT, Colonel, Infantry, United States Army. For exceptionally meritorious and 
distinguished services. Placed in command of the 157th Infantry Brigade during the Montfaucon 
drive, he displayed exceptional qualities of leadership and marked tactical skill. Continuing at the 
same time in command of his regiment, the 314th Infantry, he directed the men of his command, and 
by his dauntless determination carried them forward under heavy enemy fire. He proved himself 
untiring in energy and possessed of great initiative, sound judgment, and military attainments of high 
order. Address: Care of The Adjutant General of the Army, Washington, D. C. Entered military 
service from Nebraska. 

James Fkank Babber, Colonel, Engineer 0£B cers" Reserve Corps, then Colojel, Corps of Engineers, 
L nited States Army. For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services. While Commanding 
the 304th Regiment of Engineers of the 79th Division, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, by his 
marked ability and tireless energy his regiment was enabled to further the combat operations of his 
Division, frequently building roads and bridges under fire. Charged with the duty of removing enemy 
mines and traps in front of the right of the 1st Army, he successfully accomplished a difficult and 
dangerous duty immediately following the Armistice, thereby rendering services of great value to the 
.\merican Expeditionary Forces. Residence at appointment: 212 South Forty-fifth street, Phila- 
delphia, Pa. 

AWARDS OF THE FRENCH CROIX DE GUERRE 
DIVISION HEADQUARTERS 

Major General Joseph E. Kuiin, Commanding Colonel Tennby Ross, Chief of Staff 
Colonel Philip W. Huntington, Chief Surgeon Chaplain Elkan C. Voorsanger 
Private Stephen W. Spangenberg 

310th MACHINE-GUN BATTALION 

Private John R. Bauernfiend, Company B Private D^vight E. Lemon, Company B 
Private Charles E. Simpson, Company A Private Benjamin G. Stankdnos, Company B 

313th infantry 

Major Effingham B. IVIorris, Jr. Major Horation N. Jackson, Medical Corps 

Captain Frank R. Wheelock, Medical Corps Sergeant Ernest L. Hitchens, Company K 
Private Rol.\nd W. Abrams, Company K 

314th infantry 

Major Theodore Schoge Capt.un Kenneth Mato 

Captain Charles K. MacDermut 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 447 

Captain Fkederick A. Muhlenberg 

Captain Henry M. Smith 

Sergeant Edward A. Leonard 

Sergeant Herbert L. McCarthy 

Sergeant Edward AV. Monahan, Company E 

Corporal John Chyko, Company E 

First Class Private Clifford M. Seiders, Machine-gun Company 

Private Jacob Bolen, Company C 

Private CAL^^N J. Cressal^n, Company E 

Private Stanley Culver, Company C 

SllTH MACHINE-GUN BATTALION 
Sergeant Codstenay L. Quick 

IjSth INF.VNTRY BRIGADE 
Brigadier General Evan M. Johnson, Commanding 

315Tn INFANTRY 
Major Samuel W. Fleming, Jr., Second Battalion 
Major WARD W. PIERSON, First Battalion 
Captain William M. Carroll, Jr. 
Captain Earl C. Offinger 
Captain George L. W'right 
First Lieutenant Walter Hibb.vrd 
Sergeant Joseph A. Keenan, Company L 
Sergeant Joseph E. Kilroy, Company K 
Sergeant Paul G. Koch, Supply Company 
SergeantLudwig J. Nachtman, Machine-gun Company 
Sergeant Arthur W. Olanson, Company K 
Sergeant Jacob RECKTEmvALD, Company C 
Sergeant Berb.vrd F. Sweeney, Headquarters Company 
Sergeant Clarence G. Weise, Company I 
CoRPOR.\L Frank H. Flegel, Company L 
CoRPOR.\L Benjamin A. Evans, Company I 
CoRPOR.\L LeRou Hauge, Company D 
Corporal Frank J. Holland, Supply Company 
Corporal Charles W. Pal.ujdy, Company F 
First Class Private Frank Lomonaco, Company K 
First Class Private Gl\como Masciarelli, Company L 
FrasT Cl.\ss Private Harry Tignob, Headquarters Company 
First Class Private Guiseppe Sp.U)Afora, Headquarters Company 
Private William Bryson, Company I 
Private Walter O. Goodman, Company E 
Private William H. Swearingen, Medical Detachment 

316th infantry 
Major WILLIAM S. MANNING 
Captain Carl Edw,\ed Glock 
Captain Mo^vRY E. Goetz 
Captain Paul D. Strong 
First Lieutenant Harry S. Gabriel 
Sergeant Grover C. Sheckart 
Corporal Guy M. Habecker, Company I 
Corporal Charles M. Kidd, Company E 
First Cl.vss Private John Wilkins, Machine-gun Company 



448 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Private Clabence F. Fret, Headquarters Company 
Private Herman G. Paustian, Company D 

312th MACHINE-GUN BATTALION 

Sergeant Carl Oscar Allison, Company C 
Sergeant John H. M. Ciianet, Company C 
First Class Private Joseph J. Milgram, Company A 

304th field signal BATTALION 
Major ZACHARIAH H. MITCHUM 
Captain John T. Flood 
Corporal John H. Foster 
Private William Scott, Company C 

CITATIONS 
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 

(G. H. Q. CITATIONS) 

{For Gallantry in Action) 

79th DIVISION HEADQUARTERS 
Lieutenant Colonel Philip W. Huntington, Chief Surgeon 

310th machine-gun BATTALION 
Sergeant Clifford A. Bonsor 
Wagoner Samuel E. Gibson 
Private Thomas Shill, Company A 

313th infantry 
Colonel Claude B. Sweezey, Commanding 
Major BENJAMIN F. PEPPER 
Chaplain John Carroll Moore, (Rescinded; D. S. C. issued in lieu) 

314th INFANTRY 
Major Theodore Schoge 
Captain Leon H. Martin, Medical Corps 
Captain Thomas H. Stilwell 

First Lieutenant Myron H. Farmer, Medical Coips 
First Lieutenant Charles A. Musgrave, Medical Corps 
First Lieutenant Benjamin Rau, Company B 
Sergeant Herbeet L. McCartt, Company E 
Sergeant JOHN C. STRIDER, Company I 
Private Hentjy E. Martin, Medical Detachment 
Private John J. Quinn, Medical Detachment 
Private James B. Simmons, Medical Detachment 
Private CLIFFORD E. TABOR, Medical Detachment 
Private Raymond S. German, Company F 

311th MACHINE-GUN BATTALION 

Second Lieuteannt Herbert W. Pritchard 

Sergeant Joseph Brown, Company A 

Sergeant John E. Spasio, Company C 

Wagoner Claire M. McClure, Headquarters Company 

158th infantry BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS 
Brigadier General William J. Nicholson, Commanding 
Major Eugene S. Pleasanton, Adjutant 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 449 

315th infantry 
Major Robert B. Shackleford, Medical Corps 
Captaix Wallace Bi ltord 

Captain JOSEPH G. DUNCAN, JR., Machine-gun Company 
First Lieutenant Walter Hibbaud, Company E 
First Lieutenant George U. Trindle 
Sergeant Paul C. Kocn, Su])ply Company 
Sergeant John R. Thumbauer Company C 
Sergeant Clarence B. Weiss, Company I 
Corporal Benjamin A. Evans, Company L (Rescindeil; D. S. C 

awarded in lieu.) 
Corporal LeRoy Hauge, Company D 
CoRPOR.\L Frank J. Holland, Supply Company 
First Cl.\ss Pruate Williasi A. I^e\«s, Headquarters Company 
First Class Private EDWARD F. Mc.\LEER, Company K 
Private Al\'in Laws, Headquarters Company 

316th infantry 
Captain Carl E. Glock, Adjutant 
Captain Mowrt E. Goetz, Headquarters Company 
Captain Paul D. Strong 

Fir.st Lieutenant Walter K. Borque, Sanitary Detactiment 
First Lieutenant Harry S. Gabriel, Headquarters Company 
First Lieute.nant Clifton Lisle, Attached to 158th 

Infantry Brigade Headquarters 
Private Abel Emmonds, Sanitary Detachment 
Private Robeut J. McGee, Medical Detachment 
Private Abraham Nitzberg, Company A 

312th MACHINE-GUN BATTALION 

First Lieutenant Harold B. Alston 
Sergeant John H. M. Ciianet, Companj' C 
Private Frank M. Riegel, Company B 

304Tn ENGINEERS 
Sergeant Stephen J. Hanr.^han, Company E 

304th field SIGNAL BATTALION 

Private Roland C. Ferris, Company C 
Private John H. Foster 
Private George Isett, Company C 
Private Nate McDer.mott, Company C 
Pri\'ate Chester P.^tton, Company C 
Private Raymond Rauenzahanm, Company C 
Private Marion Rishel, Company C 
Private Willum Scott, Company C 

304th sanitary TRAIN 

First CljVSS Private Charles R. Bodmer, 313th Ambulance Company 

WAR DEPARTMENT CITATIONS 

314Tn INFANTRY 
Sergeant Edward A. Leonard, Company H 
316th INFANTRY 
Colonel George Williams 



450 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

TEXT OF G. H. Q. CITATIONS 

Citation Orders France, June 3, 1919 

No. 1. 

1. The following named officers and enlisted men of the American Expeditionary Forces are cited 
for gallantry in action and are entitled to wear a silver star on the Victory Medal ribbon as prescribed 
by paragraph I, G. O. 75, c. s., these headquarters: 

First LiEtrrENANT Harold B. Alston, 312th Machine-gun Battalion. 

For gallantry in action near Verdun, France, 2, November, 1918, while on a reconnaissance patrol. 

First Class P^I^•ATE Charles R. Bodmer, 313th Ambulance Company, i 

For gallantry in action near Verdun, France, 2, November, 1918, in attempting to repair his am- 
bulance in plain view of the enemy and under intense artillery fire. 

Sergeant Clifford A. Bonsor, 310th Machine-gun Battalion. 

For gallantry in action near Molleville Farm, France, 6-9, November, 1918, in evacuating the 
wounded imder terrific shell fire. 

First Liexitexant Walter E. Bourque, Sanitary Detachment, 316th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action during the Argonne operations 26, September, 1918, in caring for the 
wounded under terrific enemj' fire. 

Sergeant Joseph Brown, Company A, 311th Machine Gun Battalion. 

For gallantry in action near Molleville Farm, France, 9-10, November, 1918, in bringing his com- 
pany forward under heavy shell and gas fire. 

Captain Wallace Bdlford, 315th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Montfaucon, France, 28, September, 1918, in rendering first aid to 
the wounded under heavy artillery fire. 

Sergeant John H. M. Chanet, Company C, 312th Machine-gun Battalion. 

For gallantry in action near Verdun, France, 2-5, November, 1918, and for his brilliant leadership. 

Citation Orders France, June 3, 1919. 

No. 2. 

1. The following named officers and enlisted men of the American Expeditionary Forces are cited 
for gallantry in action and are entitled to wear a silver star o n the Victory Medal ribbon as prescribed 
by paragraph I, G. O. 75, c. s., these headquarters: 

Captain JOSEPH G. DUNCAN, JR., (deceased) Machine-gun Company, 315th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Nantillois, France, 28-29, September, 1918, in personally reconnoitei^ 
ing machine-gim positions. 

Corporal Benj.4Jhin A. Evans, Company I, 315th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Verdun, France, 7, November, 1918, in successfully accomplishing 

an important mission.* 

*Tliis citation was later rescinded, as Corporal Evans was awarded the D. S. C. for the dead mentioned 
here. 

First Lieutenant Myron H. F.^rmer, Medical Corps, 314th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Montfaucon, France, 29, September, 1918, although woimded him- 
self he would not dress his own wound, but insisted upon treating the wounded under heavy shell fire. 

Private Roland C. Ferris, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion. 

For gallantry in action during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, 14, October, 1918, in voluntary 

acting as a runner. 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 451 

Private John H. Foster, 304th Field Signal Battalion. 

For gallantry in action near Brabant, France, 4, November, 1918, in repairing telephone lines 
under heavy artillery fire. 

First Lieutenant ILvrrt S. Gabriel, Headquarters Company, 31Gth Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Verdun, France, on November 6, 1918, in repulsing four enemy com- 
bat patrols. 

Wagoner Samuel E. Gibson, 310th Machine-gun Battalion. 

For gallantry in action in vicinity of MoUeville Farm, France, between 6 and 9 of November 
1918, in carrying wounded from front to dressing station over shell swept road. 

Captain Carl E. Clock, Adjutant, 316th Infantry. 

For gallantry in ac-tion on 5, November, 1918, in the assault on Hill 378, north of Verdun, in occu- 
pying a strategic position and repulsing four enemy patrols. 

Captain Mo\\T!Y E. Goetz, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry. 

For gallantry in the operations against Hill 378, near Verdun, on 6, November, 1918, and for 
brilliant leadership. 

Corporal LeRot Hatjge, Company D, 315th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action on 3, November, 1918, north of MoUeville Farm, while acting as runner. 

First Lieutenant AValter Hibbakd, Company E, 315th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action in Bultruy-Bois, 7, November, 1918, in aiding the wounded under heavy 
enemy fire. 

Corporal Frank J. Hollant), Supply Company, 315th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action 10, November, 1918, at Gibercy, France, in remaining with and distributing 
rations despite heavy shelling by enemy artillery. 

Citation Orders France, June 3, 1919. 

No. 3. 

1. The following named officers and enlisted men of the American Expeditionary Forces are cited 
for gallantry in action and arc entitled to wear a silver star on the Victory Medal ribbon as prescribed 
by paragraph I, G. O. 75, c. s., these Iieadquarters: 

Private George Isett, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion. 

For gallantry in action near Brabant, France, 4, November, 1918, in repairing telephone wires 
under heavy shell fire. 

Sergeant Paul C. Kocn, Supply Company, 315th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, France, 6—7, November, 1918, in 
supervising ration carrying details under heavy shell fire. 

Private Alvin Laws, Headquarters Company, 315th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, 8-9, November, 1918, in delivering 
important messages through heavy enemy shell fire. 

First Class Private William A. Lewis, Headquarters Company, 315th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action on 4-5, November, 1918, in MoUeville Valley, near Verdun, in keeping up 
the lines of communication under hea^-y enemy fire. 

First Lieutenant Clifton Lisle, 316th Infantry, attached to 158th Brigade Headquarters. 

For gallantry in action at Nantillois, France, 28, September, 1918, in carrying important messages 
through heavy enemy fire. 



452 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

First Class Private EDWARD F. McALEER, (deceased) Company K, 315th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Damvillers, France, 11, November, 1918, while on duty as a dispatch 
bearer. 

Sergeant Herbert L. McCarty, Company E, 314th Infantry. 

Yuv gallantry in action near Moirey, France, 9, November, 1918, although severely wounded in 
the back, he continued to direct his platoon. 

Wagoner Cl.\ire M. McClure, Headquarters Company, 311th Machine-gun Battalion. 

For gallantry in action near Montfaucon, France, 29, September, 1918, although wounded, he did 
not mention the fact but remained on duty. 

Prix.vte Nate McDermott, Company C, 30-lth Field Signal Battalion. 

For gallantry in action near Brabant, France, 4, November, 1918, in repairing telephone lines 
under hea\y shell fire. 

Prhwte Robert J. McGee, Medical Detachment, 316th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Montfaucon, France, 28, September, 1918, in attending to the wounded 
at an advance di'essmg station under terrific machine-gun and shell fire for a period of fifteen hours. 

Pri\ate Henry E. Martin, Medical Detachment, 314th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Crepion, France, 10, November, 1918, in crawling forward under heavy 
machine-gun and shell fire to render first aid to a wounded soldier. 

Captain Leon H. M.-vrtin, Medical Corps, 314th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Nantillois, France, 29, September, 1918, in evacuating the wounded 
under shell fire. 

First Lieutenant Charles A. Musgrave, Dental Corps, 314th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Moirey, France, 1-11, November, 1918, in voluntarily caring for the 
wounded under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire. 

Beig.^dier General W. J. Nicholson, 1.57th Infantry Brigade. 

For gallantry in action north of Bois de Beuge, 29, September, 1918, and for brilliant leadership 

Prh ate Abrah.am Nitzberg, Company A, 316th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Damvillers, France, 11, November, 1918, in delivering an important 
message under enemy fire. 

Citation Orders France, June 3, 1919. 

No. 4. 

1. The following named ofiicers and enlisted men of the American Expeditionary Forces are cited 
for gallantry in action and are entitled to wear a silver star on the Victory Medal ribbon, as prescribed 
by Paragiaph I, G. O. 75, c. s., these headquarters; 

Private Chester P.atton, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion. 

For gallantry in action near Brabant. France, 4, November, 1918, in repeatedly repairing telephone 
lines under heavy shell fire. 

M.uoR BENJAMIN F. PEPPER, (deceased) 313th Infantry. < 

For gallantry in action near Montfaucon, France, 26, September, 1918, and for his brilliant leader- 
ship. 

Major Eugene S. Pleasonton, Adjutant, 157th Infantry Brigade. 

For gallantry in action near Montfaucon. France, 29, September, 1918, and for his brilliant leader- 
ship. 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 453 

Second Lieutenant Herbert W. Pritchard, 311tli Machiue-gun Battalion. 

For gallantry in action at the Bois de Chenes, France, 1-2, November, 1918, in making a tour of 
his gun positions uniirr liea\y shell fire, and personally conveying two wounded men to a dressing sta- 
tion. 

Private John J. Qiix.v, Medical Detachment, ;JHtli lulantry. 

For gallantry in action near Montfaucon. France, 27, September, 1S)1H, in evacuating the woimded 
under heavy shell fire. 

Private Rav-mond Uauenzahnm, Company C. ;i04th Field Signal Battalion. 

For gallantry in action north of Brabant, France, i, November, 1918, in endeavoring to maintain 
wire comnumication under heavy fire. 

Private Marion Rishel, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion. 

For gallantly in action north of Brabant, France, 4, November, 1918, in endeavoring to maintain 
wire comnumication uniler heavy enemy fire. 

Major Theodore Schoge, 314th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action at Cote de Roniagne, France, 11, November, 1918, and for his Ijrilliant 
leadership of his battalion. 

Private William S( ott. Company C. .'!04th Field Signal Battalion. 

For gallantry in action near Brabant, France, +, November, 1918, in repairing telephone lines 
under heavy shell fire. 

Ma.I(>r Robert B. Shackelford. Medical Corps, lil.jth Infantry. 

For gallantry in action at Montfaucon, France, 8, October, 1918, in caring for the wounded under 
continual shell fire. 

Private Thom.\s Shill, Company A, 310th Machine-gun Battalion. 

For gallantry in action during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, 5-10, November, 1918, in caring for 
the wounded under heavy machine-gim and sniper fire. 

Private THo^ns B. Sim.\io.\s, Medical Detachment, 3Uth Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Montfaucon, France, 27-28, September, 1918, in evacuating the 
wounded in the front lines under machine-gun fire. 

Sergeant John E. Sp.vsion, Company C, 311lh Machine-gun Battalion. 

For gallantry in action near Montfaucon, France, 26, September, 1918, in alone capturing ten 
prisoners. 

Captain Thomas II. Stilwell, 314th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Nantillois, France, 2G-30, September, 1918, while making a recon- 
naissance of the ficjut line under machine-gun and artillery fire. 

Sergeant JOHN C. STRIDER, (deceased). Company I, 314th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Montfaucon, France, 27, September, 1918, and for his brilliant leader- 
ship of his section. 

Captain Pail D. Strong, 31Gth Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Verdun, France, 5, November, 1918, in reorganizing the front lines 
and advancing the attacking line in the face of heavy machine-gun and artillery fire. 

Private CLIFFORD E. TABOR (deceased). Medical Detachment, 314th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Nantillois, France, 29, September, 1918, in attending to the wounded 
under heavv shell fire. 



454 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Sergeant John R. TEtJMBATjEH, Company C, 315th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action at Montfaucon, France, 26, September, 1918, and for his brilliant leader- 
ship of his platoon. 

First Lieutenant George H. Tru.vdel, 315th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action at Nantillois, France, 28, September, 1918, although gassed he refused to 
be evacuated but remained on duty until his regiment was withdrawn. 

Citation Orders France, June 3, 1919. 

No. 5. 

1. The following named officers and enlisted men of the American Expeditionary Forces are cited 
for gallantry in action and are entitled to wear a silver star on the Victory Medal ribbon as prescribed 
by Paragraph I, G. O. 75, c. s., these headquarters: 

Sergeant Clarence B. Weiss, Company I, 315th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Molleville Farm, France, 4, November, 1918, in voluntarily assuming 
command of a disorganized detail and bringing them forward. 

Private Raymond S. German, Company F, 314th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Moirey, France, 10, November, 1918, in carrying a wounded comrade 
to a place of safety although woimded himself. 

Chaplain John Carroll Moore, 313th Infantry. • 

For gallantry in action near Montfaucon, France, 27, September, 1918, in giving aid to the wounded 
under enemy fire.* 

Colonel Claude B. Sweezey, Commanding 313th Infantry. 4 

For gallantry in action near Montfaucon, France, 29, September, 1918, and for brilliant leader- 
ship. 

Sergeant STEPHEN J. HANRAHAN, (deceased) Company E, 304th Engineers. 

For gallantry in action during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, France, 13-14, October, 1918, al- 
though severely wounded in nine places, he crawled for assistance and gave information as to where 
wounded were lying. 

Citation Orders France, June 3, 1919. 

No. 7. 

1. The following named officers and enlisted men of the American E.\peditionary Forces are cited 
for gallantry in action and are entitled to wear a silver star on the Victory Medal ribbon, as prescribed 
by paragraph I, G. O. 75, c. s., these headquarters; 

1st Lieutenant Benjamin Rau, Company B, 314th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action near Belleu Woods, France, 1-9, November, 1918, in refusing to be evacu- 
ated although badly gassed. 

Citation Orders Washington, D. C, March 1, 1920. 

No. 8. 

1. The following named officers and enlisted men of the American Expeditionary Forces are cited 
for gallantry in action and are entitled to wear a silver star on the Victory Medal ribbon as prescribed 
by paragraph I, G. O. 75, c. s., these headquarters: 

Prh'ate .\bel Emmonds, Sanitary Detachment, 316th Infantry. 

For gallantry in action at Montfaucon, France, 26, September to 1, October, 1918, in carrying 
messages under heavj' shell fire. 

* This citation was later rescined as Chaplin Moore was awarded the DSC. for the deed mentioned here. 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 455 

Citation Orders Washington, D. C, August 1, 1920. 

No. 9. 

1. The following named officers and enlisted men of the American Expeditionary Forces are cited 
for gallantry in action and are entitled to wear a silver star on the Victory Medal ribbon as prescribed 
by paragraph I, G. O. 75, 1919, these headquarters: 

Private Frank M. Riegel, Company B, 312th Machine-gun Battalion. 

For gallantry in action near Montfaucon, France, 28, September, 1918, while assisting a wounded 
comrade to the first aid station although himself slightly wounded. 

General Orders 
No. 19, 1921. 

1. The following named officers and enlisted men of the .\merican Expeditionary Forces are cited 
for gallantry in action and are entitled to wear a silver star on the Victory Medal ribbon as prescribed 
by paragraph I, G. O. 75, 1919, these headquarters: 

Lieutenant Colonel (then Colonel) Philip W. Huntington, Medical Corps, Chief Surgeon, 79th 

Division. 

For gallantry in action at Fayal Farm, near Montfaucon, France, September 29, 1918, while 
directing the evacuation of the wounded during enemy bombardment. 

DIVISION CITATIONS 

For Gallantry in Action and Meritorious Services) 

HEADQUARTERS, 79th DIVISION 
Am. E. F., France 

GENERAL ORDERS 8th May, 1919. 

No. 29 

1. For gallantry in action and meritorious services, the following citations are published for l!ie 
information of the command. 

Brigadiek General William J. Nicholson, Commanding 

157th Infantry Brigade 
Brigadier General Evan M. Johnson, Commanding 158th 

Infantry Brigade 
Colonel James P. Jervev, SOith Engineers 
Colonel Claude B. Sweezey, 313th Infantry - 
Colonel William H. Oury, 31-tth Infantry 
Colonel Alden C. Knowles, 315th Infantry 
Colonel James F. Barber, 304th Engineers 

Headquarters, 79th Division 
General Orders A. E. F., France, May 8, 1919 



No. 29. 



Extract 



Par. 2. For gallantry in action anfl meritorious services, the following citations are published for 
the information of the command: 

Lieutenant Colonel Stuart S. Janney, 313th Infantry. > 
Major BENJAMIN F. PEPPER (deceased), 313th Infantry . 
Captain HARRY C. INGERSOLL (deceased), 313th Infantry . 
Captain George C. Burgwin, 313th Infantry » 
Captain John B. Luckie, 313th Infantry • 



456 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

First Liebtenant Joseph H. Cochran, 313th Infantry 

First Lieutenant David M. Rupp, 313th Infantry 

First Cl.\ss Private Frederick J. Meiile, Company K, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant Gideon J. Jessop, Company K, 313th Infantry 

Corporal James A. AValdron, Company K, 313tli Infantry 

Sergeant Gxi.stavus N. Welsh, Companx- K, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant John E. Coale, Company K, 313th Infantry 

Corporal Edwaru T. Leahy, Comjjany K, 313th Infantry 

Serge.\nt Dorsey M. Goad, Company M, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant Charles B. Wolfe, Company L, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant George C. Brinkmax, Company L, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant Cameron R. Butt, Company L, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant Charles W. Benson, Company I, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant James McGarvey, Comi)any E, 313th Infantry 

CoHPOR.\L Jacob IL Decker, Comjiany (J, 313th Infantry 

First Sergeant Donnell S. Mason. Company C. 3I3th Infantry 

Sergeant Henry W. Rives, Jr., Company C, 313tli Infantry - 

First Class Private Albert Bach, Company C, 313th Infantry . 

First Class Private John Lebedewicz, Company C. 313th Infantry. ■ 

Sergeant William J. Ellinghaus, Company C, 313th Infantry. 

First Class Private Septimus E. Edmonds, Company C, 313th Infantry • 

Corporal Robert L. Thompson, Company C, 313th Infantry ■ 

Corporal Jacob F. Hammock, Company C, 313th Infantry 

Corporal Ralph J. Lupton, Company C, 313th Infantry 

First Class Private Raymontj S. Hackett, Company C, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant Clarence K. Wyatt, Company C, 313th Infantry 

Corporal Benjaian F. Snyder, Company C, 313th Infantry . 

Corporal Truman A. Hogg 

Corporal Stephen Zaminski 

First Class Private STEPHEN NOGRAPSKI (deceased) 

First Class Private Karol Kaczan 

Private Laltrel M. Jones 

Private IVIiciiael Sadowsky 

First Cl.4ss Priaate JAMES H. GRANGER (deceased) 

First Cl-vss Pri\'ate Walter Kozlow.ski 

Private Berdy Stanko^ich, Company A, 313th Infantry 

Corporal Robert L. Balthaser, Company A, 313th Infantry 

Corporal Verndm H. Vernon, Jr., Company A, 313th Infantry. 

Corporal William Jacobs, Company A, 3T3th Infantry. 

Private Fir.st Cl.\ss Charles H. Gfntiier, Company A, 313th Infantry 

Private Morris Lerer, Company A, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant John W. Lixebgood, Company G, 313th Infantry 

Corporal Albert W. Thrasher, Company G. 313th Infantry 

First Cl.\ss Private Ernest F. Hoover, Machine Gini Company, 313th Inf. 

Sergeant Harry E. Snock, Company F, 313th Infantry 

Corporal Walter H. Hensel, Company F, 113th Infantry 

Captain Joseph N. DuBarry, 313th Infantry 

Captain Frederick R. Drayton, 313th Infantry 

First Lieutenant WILLIAM J. H. WATTERS (deceased), 313th Infantry 

Captain Coutstund W. Sanney', 313th Infantry 

First Lieittenant Willum A. Wynn, 313th Infantry 

Captain Thomas G. Bradlee, 313th Infantry 

Second Lieutenant James W. Towsex, 313th Infantry 

Captain Murvyn K. Allenbach, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant Joseph W. Oppitz, Company E, 313th Infantry 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 457 

Private John C. Rhodes, Company E, 31.'Jth Infantry 

Pkivate Joseph X. Wbight, Company E, 313th Infantry 

Private George Remfret, Company E, 3I3th Infantry 

Private Wilbur E. Forrest, Company E, 313th Infantry 

CoRPOR.vL Solomon Sachs, Company G, 313th Infantiy 

Private John D. Flood, Company E, 313th Infantry 

Buf.LER Anthony Motto, Company L, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant Theodore C. Kraise, Company I, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant Allen J. Williams. Company I, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant Raymond Jordan, Company L, 313th Infantry 

Private John Thompson, Company M, 313th Infantry 

Private Emil Doll, Headquarters Company, 313th Infantry 

First Sergeant Carl W. Freize, Company D, 313th Infantry 

Private HENRY GUNTHER (deceased), Company A, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant Aitgust A. Sciiwenke, Company B, 313th Infantry 

Private William E. Vaughan, Company F, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant AnfHiE A. Baker, Company G, 313th Infantry 

First Sergeant Henry S. Funk, Companj- G, 313th Infantry 

Color Sergeant Charles R. Berlincke, 313th Infantry 

Sergeant Howard Brown, Company D, 313th Infantry 

Corporal WALTER OSTROWSKI (deceased), CorapaJiN- B, 313th Inf. 

Private J. J. Flanagan, Company I, 313th Infantry 

General Orders Headquarters, 79tli Division Am. E. F. 

No. 29 Fiance, May 8, 1919. 

Extract 

Par. 3. For gallantry in action and meritorious services the following citations are published for 
the information of the command: 

Major Lewis E. Emanuel. Surgeon, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant John J. Quinn, Medical Detachment, 314th Infantry 

Corporal Earl A. Adams, Company L, 314th Infantry 

Private Charles D. Wi.nter, Medical Detachment, 314th Infantry 

Corporal Rive Persi.vg, Company L, 314th Infantry 

Corporal .Iohn B.vssuskv, Company L, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant Ja.mes P. Wetzel, Com[)any L, 314th Infantry 

First Lieutena.\'t Kenneth II. Morto.w 314th Infantry 

Private Ralph Pilla, Company I, 314th Infantry 

Private Raymond H. Koch, Company I, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant Anthony' J. Farrell, Company K, 314th Infantry 

Private Samuel Santucci, Company K, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant Mart J. Cawley, Company K, 314th Infantry 

Corporal Edward G. Punch, Company K, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant SIDNEY M. PAINTER (deceased). Company K. 314th Inf. 

First Class Pri\ate Da\id Loiselle. Company K, 31 Uh Infantry 

Candidate Charles K. Deween, Jr., (the first Sergeant). Company K, Sllth Inf. 

Sergeant Harry E. Mitchell, Company K, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant Samuel W. Shearer, Company K, 314th Infantry 

Corporal JAMES J. MULLEN (deceased). Company K, 314th Inf. 

Corporal Earl B. Mohr, Company K, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant Joseph P. Wynn, Company K, 314th Infantry 

Private William Seaman, Company I, 314th Infantry 

Private George G. Neidig, Company I, 314th Infantry 

First Cl.\ss Priv.^te Speros P.ipp.vdopoulous, Company I, 314th Infantry 

First Class Private Ralph .\ddington Wood (Runner), Company I, 314th Infantry 



458 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

First Class Private Leo Hemler Dotle (Runner), Company K, 314th Infantry 

Second Lieutenant Kenelm Laurence Shirk, Company K, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant Clarence A. Owens, Company I, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant Frank A. Ross, Company I, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant JOHN C. STRIDER (deceased). Company I, 314th Infantry 

Corporal Joseph H. Thompson, Company I, 314th Infantry 

Cook Charles E. Gross .Company I, 314th Infantry 

Corporal Wesley C. Meeks, Company G, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant William C. Clark, Company G, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant J. DELBERT NIPPLE (deceased). Company G, 314th Infantry 

Private Charles H. Rehm, Company G, 314th Infantry 

Corporal Hugh F. Cox, Company C, 314th Infantry 

Corporal George McCaughet, Company D, 314th Infantry 

First Class Private Carosi Guido, Company D, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant MICHAEL C. VENTURA (deceased), Company D, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant JOHN A. McCA'^M.EY (deceased). Company F, 314th Infantry 

Captain Harry C. Duncan, 314th Infantry 

First Sergeant Martin J. Culver, Company H, 314th Infantry 

First Cl,\ss Prixate David H. Lauck, Company H, 314th Infantry 

Corporal Earl Bellis, Headquarters Company, 314th Infantry 

Corporal Eugene W. Ruck (Company Clerk), Company E, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant Carl P. Frank, Company E, 314th Infantry 

Corporal Eric Rosenfield, Company E, 314th Infantry 

Private Walter K. Wagner (Runner), Company E, 314th Infantry 

Corporal Walter T. Brown, Company A, 314th Infantry 

Corporal Paul A. Fusselman, Company A, 314th Infantry 

Private First Ci^\ss Richard H. Insall, Company A, 313th Infantry 

Corporal Clarence C. Hanna, Company A, 314th Infantry 

Sergeant Willum N. Gordon, Company A, 314th Infantry 

First Lieutenant Allen B. Decker, Headquarters Company, 314th Infantry 

Regimental Sergeant Major Clarence A. Boston, Headquarters Company, 

314th Infantry 
Regimental Sergeant Major Raytmont) A. Blake, Headquarters Company, 

314th Infantry 
Sergeant (then Corporal) Jerome T. McGonigal, Signal Platoon, Head- 
quarters Company, 314th Infantry 
Sergeant Ray J. Howells, 37 mm. Gun Platoon, Headquarters Company, 

314th Infantry 
Sergeant (then Private) Willum B. Crammer, 37 mm. Gun Platoon, 

Headquarters Company, 314th Infantry 
Sergeant (then Corporal) James Forsyth, 37 mm. Platoon, Headquarters 

Company, 314th Infantry 
Private James E. Shaffer, mm. Gun Platoon, Headquarters Company, 

314th Infantry 
Corporal (then Fiest Class Private) Edward L. Forrest, Signal Platoon, 

Headquarters Company, 314th Infantry 
Private EVERETT L. LYONS (deceased). Signal Platoon, Headquarters 

Company, 314th Infantry 
Pri\ate John M. Schdler, Signal Platoon, Headquarters Company, 314th Infantry 
Private Joseph White, Signal Platoon , Headquarters Company, 314th Infantry 
Private Edward C. Cromleigh, Signal Platoon, Headquarters Company, 

314th Infantry 
First Class Prixate Andrew J. Bayer, Signal Platoon, Headquarters Company, 

314th Infantry 
Private John M. Zeder, Signal Platoon, Headquarters Company, 314th Infantry 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 459 

First Cl.\ss Private William J. Henby, Signal Platoon, Headquarters Company, 

314th Infantry 
Prhate Dorset L. Reaser, Signal Platoon, Headquarters Company, 314th Infantry 
Private Howard F. Foster, Signal Platoon, Headquarters Company, 314th Infantry 
Private THO^us B. Neal, Signal Platoon, Headquarters Company, 314th Infantry 
Corporal (then Private) Harold G. Lever, Signal Platoon, Headquarters Company, 

314th Infantry 
Private Ezra Lo^'EJOY, Signal Platoon, Headquarters Company, 314th Infantry 
Sergeant Robert R. VanVechte.v, Company B, 314th Infantry 
Private Earl L. Hannigan, Signal Platoon, Ileadtjuarters Company, 314th Infantry 
First Lieutenant Linwood D. McClvre, A Stokes Mortar Gun Team, Head- 
quarters Company, 314th Infantry 
Sergeant Philip M. Hunt 
Sergeant (then Corporal) Edward R. Ward 
Private William H. Till 
Private Juuus Warmbeer 
Private Brady F. Hunter 
Pri\'ate Willum a. McAvoy 

Ordnanc E Sergeant Robert J. Allen, Supply Company, 314th Infantry 
Sergeant Ralph O. Tyson, Company F, 314th Infantry 

General Orders Headquarters, 79th Division A. E. F. 

No. 29 France, May 8, 1919 

Extract 
Par. 4. For gallantry in action and meritorious services, the following citations are published 

for the information of the commaml: 

Major Francts V. Lloyd, 31jth Infantry 

Captain David E. Williams, Jr., 315th Infantry 

First Lieutenant Carl W. Wentzel, 315th Infantry 

Private R. E. Springer, Headquarters Company, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant George N. Churchill, Medical Detachment, 315tli Infantry 

Corporal John Barrett, Company M, 315th Infantry 

Captain Wilton Snowden, Jr., 315th Infantry 

Bugler Stanley Zalecky, Company M, 315th Infantry 

Mess Sergeant Edward P. Hill, Company M, 315th Infantry 

First Sergeant John F. O'Dea, Company M, 315th Infantry 

First Class Private Hallie M. IL\rtman, Company M, 315th Infantry 

First Cla.ss Private Herman Ziegler, Company M, 315th Infantry 

Corporal JOSEPH M. HELLINGS (deceased). Company M, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Thomas G. Catanack, Company M, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Elvtn R. Baker, Company M, 315th Infantry 

First Lieutenant John T. Ford, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Patrick Maloney, Company L, 315th Infantry 

First Lieutenant Theodore Rosen, 315th Infantry 

Corporal LOUIS A. BERKOWITZ (deceased). Company L, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Patrick Dolan, Company L, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Harry Polinsky (deceased). Company L, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Carl A. Oesterle, Company L, 315th Infantry 

First Sergeant Karl G. Ley, Companj- L, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Frank J. Kirk, Company L, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Mataus Unchis, Company L, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Adolph J. Kunze, Company L, 315th Infantry 

First Class Private Joseph Szaxkoski, Company L, 315th Infantry 

First Cl.\ss Private William H. Duke, Company K, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant LOUIS C. SYMINGTON (deceased). Company K, 315th Infantry 



460 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Sergeant Clifford T. ■\VEIH^u^•, Company K, 3I5th Infantry 

Sergeant Harry W. Storck, Company K, 31.5tli Infantry 

Sergeant Thoilvs F. Clynes, Company K, 3I.5lh Infantry 

Sergeant Donald N. MacKubbin, Company K, 315tli Infantry 

Sergeant Matthew Sydlowski, Company K, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Christopher Davis. Company K, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Frank V. Cowe.ns, Company K, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Francis A. McCioskey, Company K, 315th Infantry 

First Lieutenant Ernest B. Becker, 315th Infantry 

First Lieutenant William D. Dodson, 315th Infantry 

First Lieutenant George S. Freem.<n, Company L, Sloth Infantry 

Corporal Oscar M. Oliker, Company K, 315th Infantry 

SERGE.4NT George C. Bewley, Company K, 315th Infantry 

Sergent Fr,vnk E. Hill, Company I, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Frank MERRI^LiN, Company I, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Clarence B. Weise, Company I, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Samuel J. Trotta, Company I, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Henry A. Miller, Company I, 315th Infantry 

Private Tho\us Foley, Company I, 315th Infantry 

CoRPOR.\L Edward Lash, Company I, 315th Infantry 

First Sergeant Elmer .1. Smith, Company I, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Joseph L. Henry, Company I, 315tli Infantry 

Corporal Charles Kloth, Company I, 315th Infantry 

Pri\'ate Frank Grammich. Company I, 315th Infantry 

Private Thovus Pietrasko. Company I, 315th Infantry 

First Lieutenant RAYMOND T. TURN', (deceased) Company I, 315th Infantry 

First Class Prhate JAMES WHITE (deceased). Company I, 315th Infantry 

Corporal THOMAS LAXDEXBERGER, (deceased) Company I, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Russell Kern, Company I, 315th Infantry 

Second Lieutenant Ira X^. Kellberg, Company I, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Walter F. Brzozowski, Company I, 315th Infantry 

First Cl.\ss Private Michael Ferrick, Company I, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Henry* J. Schaefer. Company H, 315th Infantry 

Private Ernest A. Goehns, Company II, 315th Infantry 

First Cl,\ss Private Alexander Kaellis, Company H, 315th Infantry. 

First Class Private James A. Morris, Company H, 315th Infantry 

First Class Private William Lentine, Company H, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Morris G. Rosexl\n, Company H, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Albert E. Hutchinson, Company H, 315th Infantry 

First Lieutenant J. Fergu.so.v Mohr, Company G, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Peter McHugh, Company G, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Robert P. Mason, Company G, 315th Infantry 

First Sergeant Albert Courcier, Company E, 315th Infantry 

First Class Private Charles Mercer, Company E, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant John P. O'Don-nell, Company E, 315th Infantry 

Private John Surdi, Company E, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Haeold S. Paris, Company R, 315th Infantry 

CoRPOR.\L Bertrand L. Beyerle, Company E, Sloth Infantry 

First Class Private Xorjl\n T. Boehm, Company E. 315th Infantry 

First Class Prr'ate Russell H. Adair, Company E, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Bruce Lord, Company E, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Maurice J. Corson, Company E, 315th Infantry- 

Captain Ivor D. Fenton, Medical Detachment, 315th Infantry 

First Class Private William A Lewis, Headqnarters Company. 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Samuel Z. Cole, 315 ' ] Infantr\- 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 461 

Sergeant John J. Da\t[s, Company A, 31jth lul'aiitry 

Sergeant Clarexce Glenn, Company A, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant John P. Filler, Company A, 315tli Infantry 

Sergeant William J. Larmour, Company A, 31.5th Infantry 

Sergeant George R. Spieluerger, Company A, 315th Infantry 

CoRi'OiuL Mavritz \V. Nordstrom, Company A, 31 jth Infantry 

Corporal Frank P. Bradley, Company A, 315fli Infantry 

Corporal Frank McLaughlin, Company A, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Michael F. Duffy, Company A, 315tli Infantry 

Private John F. Armstrong, Company A, 315th Infantry 

First Class PRI^■ATE Amedeo Spinosi, Company A, 315th Infantry 

Private Michael De Vietro, Company A, 315th Infantry 

Corporal John F. McCann, Company A, 315th Infantry 

Corporal George J. Toomey', Company A. 315th Infantry 

Private Edwin F. Lambert, Company A. 315tli Infantry 

Private ELMER F. OGDEN (deceased). Company A, 315th Infantry 

Corporal Garrett N. Johnson, Company A, 315th Infantry 

Private NATHAN C. SHIJTE (deceased). Company A, 315th Infantry 

First Lieutenant Lester C. Shearer, Company B, 315th Infantry 

Second Lieutenant John J. Conahan, Company B, 315th Infantry 

First Sergeant Albert M. Young, Company B, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant PHILIP G. MELICK (deceased), Company B, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Cornelius C. Walters, Company C, 315th Infantry 

CoRPOii.\L Frank J. Devaltc, Company C, 315th Infantry 

Private John McKay-, Company C, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant JOHN J. REED (deceased). Company C, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Joseph J. Feeley, Company C, 315th Infantry 

First Class Private Victor J. Donohie, Company C, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant John T. Camburn, Company C, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Eugene C. Fagan, Company C, 315lli Infantry 

Prhate Feodor Kosiiowitz, Company C, 315th Infantry 

Fir.st Lieutenant George S. Barker, Battalion InteUigence OtBccr, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Thomas F. Price, Company D, 315tli Infantry 

Sergeant John Leach, Company B, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant John T. Holt, Company D, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant CLARENCE PANCOAST (deceased). Company D, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant ELMER R. FOX (deceased). Company D, 315th Infantry 

Private Harry Beyer, Company D, 315th Infantry 

pRi\ ATE Edward T. Rayer, Company D, 315th Infantry 

First Lieutenant John J. Borbridge, 315th Infantry 

Captain William M. Murrell, 315th Infantry 

Second Lieutenant Eltox B. McCowan, 315th Infantry 

Chaplain R. V. Lancaster, 315th Infantry 

Corporal James E. Brown, Company Machine Gun, 315th Infantry 

Private First Class William McK. Viven, Machine Gun Company, 315th Infantry 

Corporal George H. Arciiible, Machine-gun Company, 315th Infantry 

Sergeant Michael J. Dugan, Machine-gun Company, 315th Infantry 

General Orders Headquarters, T'Jth Division, Am. t,. F. 

No. 29 France, May 8, 191S 

Extract 

Par. 5. For gallantry in action and meritorious services, the following citations are published 
for the information of the command. 

Major Harry D. P.\kkin, 316th Infantry 

Mechanic MOSES S. YERGER (deceased). Company G, 316th Infantry 



462 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

First Class Pri\ ate Zopito Ciiiavaroli, Company G, 316th Infantry 

First Class Pri\ate Joseph J. Zarnoski, Company G, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private AVilloughbt S. Miller, Company G, 316th Infantry 

First Class Privates Chiavaroli and Zarnoski as Battalion Runners 

First Class Private Miller as Company Runner 

First Class Private William Launspach, Company G, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Jacob F. Hartranft, Company G, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private John T. Campbell, Company G, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant William T. Dugan, Company H, 316th Infantry 

Corporal George J. Gill, Company H, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Charles H. Slair, Company L, 316th Infantry 

Private WILLIAM LUNN (deceased). Company M, 316th Infantry 

Lieutenant Michael D. Clofine, Company M, 316th Infantry 

Private Eng Wing, Company M, 316th Infantry 

Corporal FRANK C. REBEL (deceased). Company M, 316th Infantry 

Corporal Frederick J. Gardner, Company M, 316th Infantrj' 

Sergeant Joseph Sandt, Company M, 316th Infantry 

Prh-ate harry cooper (deceased). Company M, 316th Infantry 

Private LEONARD J. DAILY (deceased). Company M, 316th Infantry 

Private William Gardner, Co. M, 316th Infantry 

Private John S. Costa, Company M, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private Josiah S. Steckel, Company D, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant George D. Livelsberger, Company C, 316th Infantry 

Private JOSEPH T. CONNOR (deceased). Company E, 316th Infantry 

Corporal Adolph Kossman, Co. C, 316th Infantry 

First Class Pri\-ate William A. Haas, Co. C, 316th Infantry 

Private Joseph Fali^\cchi, Co. C, 316tli Infantry 

Private Charles D. Gaul, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

First Lieutenant William E. Dreher, Company C, 316th Infantry 

Private FRANCIS BOYER (deceased) Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

Private Abram W. Longenecker, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

Private Howard W. Fell, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

Private Paul E. Smith, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

Private Norman E. Shanabrock, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

Private George F. Kahler, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

Private Joseph D. Givens, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

Private Park N. Matthias, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

Private Benjamin F. Murphy, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

Private David P. Dobbs, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Elijah Merrill, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

Corporal Herbert T. Heist, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private Stephen R. Grove, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private Howard L. Gillespie, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private Howard M. Shope, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

Private William Smith, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

First Class Pri\ate Harry F. Conway, Company F, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private Gilbert L. Bauer, Company F, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private Henry Bowers, Company F, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Adam Matlawski, Company F, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant OSCAR O. GRIP (deceased). Company F, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant ERVIN C. MILLER (deceased). Company F, 31Gth Infantry 

First Class Private Nickolas C. Rosa, Company F, 316th Infantrj' 

Corporal Paul S. Runkle, Company F, 316th Infantry 

Second Lieutenant Roy R. Bostick, 316th Infantry 

Chaplain McNary, 316th Infantry 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 463 

First Lieutenant Akthur R. Sayres, 316th Infantry 

First Sergeant Ernest J. Gregory, Company I, 31Gth Infantry 

Sergeant Roman Zarkowski, Company I, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant William M. Flanagan, Company I, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Manly H. McWhirter, Company I, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Harlan F. Haseler, Company I, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant William E. Zink, Company I, 316th Infantry 

Corporal Hiram G. Beattie, Company I, 316th Infantry 

Corporal ED^^^N C. Cleeland, Company I, 316th Infantry 

CoRPOR.\L Herbert Waitress, Company I, 316th Infantry 

Corporal Charles A. Burrell, Headquarters Company, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private James J. Bracken, Company M, 31Gtli Infantry 

Corporal DAVID M. THORNTON (deceased). Machine-gun Company, 316th In . 

First Lieutenant MAXWELL McKEEN, Company D, 316th Infantry 

Corporal Israel Greenberg, Company H, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Joseph J. Davidson, Company D, 316th Infantry 

Private VINCENT J. DEVLIN (deceased). Sanitary Detachment, 3I6th Infantry 

First Sergeant Frank Fink, Company H, 316th Infantry 

First Lieutenant JOHN H. FOX (deceased). Company D, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Nathan A. Reddington, Company D, 316th Infantry 

First Cl.\ss Private Ormoxd R. Marks, Company II, 316th Infantry 

Private GEORGE R. MONROE (deceased). Company II, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Earl S. Doyle, Sanitary Detachment, 316th Infantry 

Second Lieutenant Howard A. W. Kates, Company D, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Joseph Krause, Sanitary Detachment, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private JOHN SHIELDS (deceased). Company D, 316th Infantry 

First Lieutenant Charles M. Sincell, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private William D. Steely, Company D, 316th Infantry 

Corporal Thomas G. Moore, Company D, 316th Infantry 

Corporal Loomis O. Nickle, Company D, 31Cth Infantry 

Sergeant Matthew D. Schugar, Company K, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Howard F. Frantz, Company K, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Howard F. Giering, Company K, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private John W. Lansinger, Company K, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private Rhinehart Peterson, Company K, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Malcomb P. Nichols, Company K, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Russell W. Reinhold, Company K, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private Ross K. Herbert, Sanitary Detachment, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private Robert C. Mitchell, Sanitary Detachment, 316th Infantry 

First Sergeant Albert R. Musselman, Company A, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Nitzberg, Company A, 316th Infantry 

Private Robert J. Clifford, Company A, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private ARCHIE B. SCHULTZ (deceased). Machine-gun Company, 
316th Infantry 

Corporal Charles L. Esham, Company H, 316th Infantry 

Corporal Ralph R. Osborne, Company L, 316th Infantry 

Corporal Thomas Deysher, Company H, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private Benjamin Johnson, Company B, 316th Infantry 

Sergeant Victor H. Knauff, Company B, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private William B. Fisher, Company C, 316th Infantry 

Corporal James E. Ryan, Company D, 316th Infantry 

Corporal Mark Routzahn, Company D, 316th Infantry 

Private Hallie J. Graham, Company E, 316th Infantry 

First Class Private John Rhine, Company D, 316th Infantry 

Private Charles Long, Company D, 315th Infantry 



464 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

General Orders Headquarters, 78th Division, A. E. F. 

No. 29 France, May 8th, 1919 

Par. 6. For gallantry in action and meritorious ser\ices the following citations are published for 
the information of the command: 

First Class Private Guy B. Pehsixger, Company B, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
First Class George M. Rhein, Company B, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
First Class Private William R. Lewis, Company B, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
Corporal George M. Gettier, Company B, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
First Class Private William A. Price, Company B, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
Pri\ate Bernard A. Galloway, Company B, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
M. S. E. Walter S. Fisher, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
First Class Sergeant Lew W. Wall.ace, Jr., Company C, 304th Field Signal BattaHon 
Corporal George Isett, Co. C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
Corporal Chester A. Patton, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
First Class Prhate Marion J. Rishel, Co. C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
First Class Private Raymond Rauenzahn, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
Sergeant George W. Grim, Companj' C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
Private Sanders P. Titsworth, Company C, 304tli Field Signal Battalion 
Corporal Bert E. Friend, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
Sergeant James P. Moronet, Company D, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
Sergeant R.vymond C. Stern, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
Sergeant David W. Wister, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
Sergeant Martin F. Finnegan, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion. 
Serge.\nt Clinton E. W'ade, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
Corporal Earl D. Wetsel, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
Corporal Edward M. DeVillbiss, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
CoRPOR.\L Leonard C. Nenning, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
First Class Sergeant M.\rvin G. Jewens, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
First Class Private Wilbert W. Anthony, Company D, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
First Class Private Russell M. Harrison, Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion 
General Orders Headcjuarters, 79th Division, A. E. F. 

No. 29 France, May 8, 1919 

EXTR.\CT 

Par. 7. For gallantry in action and meritorious services, the following is published for the infor- 
mation of the command: 

Colonel Tenxey Ross, General Staff, Chief of Staff, 79th Division 
Lieutenant Colonel Charles B. Moore, Infantry, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1 
Major Spencer Roberts, Engineers, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2 

Lieutenant Colonel George A. Wildrick, General Staff, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 
Lieutenant Colonel James H. Steinman, Adjutant General 
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas W. Miller, Division Ordnance Officer 
Colonel Philip W'. Huntington, M. C. Division Smgeon 
Lieutenant Colonel B.^bry Wright, J. A. G.'s Dept. Division Judge Advocate 
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph W'. Denton, Q. M. C, Division Quartermaster 
Major J. J. McManus, Q. M. C, Division Quartermaster 
Lieutenant Colonel George S. Gillis, S. C. 

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Smith, Infantry, Division Machine Gun Officer 
Major Vincent A. Carroll, Artillery, Assistant G-1 
Major Alexander Colt, 304th Engineers, Assistant G-3 
First Lieutenant J. H. Chandler, 313th Infantry, Assistant G-3 
Captain Albert S. Crandon, Engineers, Assistant G-2 
First Lieutenant Kingdon Gould, Corps of Interpreters 
Major Harry A. Rapelye, Aide de Camp 
Captain AVillum R. Scott, Infantry, Aide-de-Camp 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 465 

Captain Jay Cooke, 11, Infantry, Ai(le-<le-Camp 

Army Fikld Clerk Elmer A. Perry, Headquarters 79th Uivisiou 

Army- Field Clerk John \V. Hewitt, Headquarters 79tli Division 

Regimextal Sergeant Major H.\rold E. Craig, Headquarters Detailunent 

Sergeant John V. Dignan, Headquarters Detachment, 7!»th Division 

Sergeant Major J. H. Steele, Heaihiuarters Detachment, 7!)th Division 

OHDNANfE Sergeant William S. Dubel, Hea(h|uarters Detachment, 79th Division 

Ordnance Sergeant Benjamin R. Kaiffman, Headquarters Detaeliment, 79th Division 

Headquarters Troop, 79th Division 
Captain Edward W. Madeira, Cavalry, Conimandiug Officer Hea<lquarters Troop, 79th Division 
First Lieutenant Hi'ssell Freas, Cavalry, Headc|uarters Troop, 79th Division 

Sergeant Wilmer E. Grier. Headquarters Trooj), 79th Division. Ser;;eant in Charge of Motor Trans- 
portation at Division Hea<lquarters 
Horseshoeh Hoss Shepleh, Headquarters Tr<iop, 79th Division 
HoRSESiiOER John F. Bradley, Headquarters Trooj), 79th Division 
Private William F. Lawlek, Headquarters Troop, 79th Division 

PRn ate CLH'FORD W. SYLVESTER (deceased). Headquarters Troop, 79th Division 
Private H. L<}Renzi, Headquarters Troo]), 79th Division 
Prhate L. R. Chaney, Heailquarters Troop, 79th Division 
Pri\ate E. H. Cushing, Headquarters Troop, 79th Division 
Private J. Selden, Headquarters Troop, 79th Division 
Private Stanley F. Chapin, Headquarters Troop, 79th Division 
Major Rudolph VanHoevenbehg, ^L P. 

General Order Headquarters, 79th Division, A. E. F. 

No. 29 France, May 8, 1919 

EXTRAI T 

Par. S. For gallantry in action anil meritorious services, the following citations are published 
for the information of the command. 

Captain Parker R. Skinner, Company G, 304th Ammunition Train 
Captain Harold H. CnAHO.s, Company \, ."iOlth Ammunition Train 
Sergeant John C. Frame, Company (i. .Sn^th .\mmunition Train 

General Orders Headquarters, 79th Division A. E. F. 

No. 29 France, May 8, 1919 

Extract 

Par. 9. For gallantry in action and meritorious services, the following citations are published 
for the information of the command: 

Major William T. R. Price, Quartermaster Corps, Commanding 3()4th Supply Train 
Corporal Norman R. Greene, Company D, 3()4th Div., Supply Train 
First Class Private Eu<;ene A. Weiss, Company D, .'504th Di\ision Supply Train 
Corporal James J. Woodward, Company C, 304th Division, Supply Train 
Corporal H.^rold L. (Joslix. ('omi)any C, 3()4tli Division, Supply Train 

General Orders Headquarters, 79th Division, \. E. F. 

No. 29 France, May 8, 1919 

Extract 

Par. 10. For gallantry in action ami meritorious services, the following citations are published 
for the information of the command: 
Lievtexant Colonel Robert B. Shackelford, Medical Corps, Commanding Officer. 304th Sanitary 

Train 
Captain William Henry I$ru kkl, .Jr., The .\mcrican Red Cross Representative 
Lieutexant Coloxel William \. Harris, M. C, Director of Field Hospitals, 304th Sanitary Train 
First Lieutexant Jes.se C. Stilley, M. C .\mbulanee Company 31.5 
Capt.mn Edc:ar P. Sandrock, Medical Corps, Field Hospital 315, 304th Sanitary Train 



466 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Private WILLIAM G. TOONE (deceased). Medical Department, Ambulance Company 316 

First Class Private Charles R. Bodmer, Driver for Ambulance Company 313, 304th Sanitary 
Train 

First Class Private Carl C. Kidd, Medical Department, Ambulance Company 315, 304tli Sanitary 
Train 

Private Richard L. He.uid, Medical Department, Ambulance Company 316, 301tli Sanitary Train. 

First Lieutenant James L. Brennan, Medical Corps 

Corporal JOHN WALSH (deceased). Medical Department, Ambulance Company 314, 304ftli Infantry 

Corporal WILLIAM BENSON (deceased). Medical Department, Ambulance Company 324, 304th 
Sanitary Train 

Private JOSEPH AV. DAILY (deceased), Medical Department, Ambulance Company 313, 304th 
Sanitary Train 

First Cl.ass Private ALBERT PHILIPPE (deceased). Medical Department, Ambulance Co. 313, 
304th Sanitary Train 

Captain Daniel B. Williams, Medical Corps, Commanding Officer, Ambulance Co. 315, 304th Sani- 
tary Train 

Private OSC.\a H. ROLLINS (deceased). Medical Department, Ambidance Co. 313, 304th Sani- 
tary Train 

Sergeant Ernest W. Hoyt, Medical Department, .\mbulance Company, 304th Sanitary Train 

Sergeant Harry W. Kexdrick, Medical Department, .\mbulance Company, 316 

Sergeant Robert L. Pe.nxypacker, 315th Field Hospital 

General Order Headquarters, 79th Division .\. E. F. 

No. 29 France, May 8, 1919 

Extract 

Par. 11. For gallantry in action and meritorious services the following citations are published 
for the information of the command: 

Serge.vnt Major Clifford A. Bonsor, Headquarters Detachment 310th Alachine Gun Battalion 
Wagoner S.vmuel E. Gibson, Headquarters Detachment 310th Machine Gun Battalion 
Sergeant Harold H. Se.vrles, Sanitary Detachment, 310th Machine Gun Battalion 
1st Lieuten.\nt J.\y W. Sterner, 310th M. G. Bn. 
BiGLER Abraham Malenofsky, 310th M. G. Bn. 
Private NORMAN S. TA\XOR, (deceased) Co. B, 310th M. G. Bn. 
Private Raymo.nd E. Flemmi.vg, Co. B, 310th N. G. Bn. 
Pri\ate Thomas Shill, Company A, 310th Machine Gun Bn. 

Prhate First Class Emmons L. Corbett, Company A, 310th Machine Gun Battalion. 
First Sergeant Aycup Ss. H.\rem, Company A, 310th Machine Gun Battalion 
Serge.ant M.\rtin Gallagher, Company A, 310th Machine Gun Battalion. 
Sergeant Clyde R. Stout, Company A, 310th Machine Gun Battalion. 

General Order Headquarters, 79th Division, .\. E. F. 

No. 29 , France, May 8, 1919 

Extract 

Par. 12. For gallantry in action and meritorious services, the following is published for the infer 
mation of the command: 

Sergeant John E. Spasio, Company C, 311th Gun Battalion 
Private Bentley Merton, Sanitary Detachment, 311th Machine Gun Battalion 
Capt.un Walter F. Bourque, Sanitary Detachment, 311th Machine Gun Battalion 
Wagoner Clair M. McClure, Headquarters Detachment, 311th Machine Gun Battalion 
First Cl.\ss Private Cl.\ude O. T\vigg, Company D, 311th Machine Gun Battalion 
First Lieutenant BENJA\nN Jones, Company A, 311th Machine -gun Battalion 
Wagoner Michael J. Riley, Headquarters Detachment, 311th Machine Gun Battalion 
Sergeant M.^jor Francis W. Keifer, Headquarters Detachment, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 
Sergeant Michael F. Ginley, Headquarters Detachment, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 
Second Lieutenant Herbert W. Pritchard, Company C, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 467 

Second Lieutenant William A. Durkin, Company C, Slltli Macliine-gun Battalion 

First Class Private Joshua T. Fe.vby, Company D, Slltli Machine-gim Battalion 

First Sergeant John L. Brace, Company B, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 

Sergeant Patrick F. Dougherty, Company B, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 

Corporal Wilbur R. Troy, Company B, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 

CoKPOR-^L John E. Horgen, Company D, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 

First Class Private John F. Ruane, Company D, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 

Private Joseph C. Shemela, Company D, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 

Wagoner Gustave P. Woodysheck, Headquarters Detachment, 311 Machine-gun Detachment 

Second Lieutenant Leslie Dadies, Company A, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 

Private Joseph Macunas, Company A, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 

Wagoner ILiERY M. Whatenecht, Headciuarters Detachment, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 

First Class Private Willl\m Williams, Company A, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 

Mechanic Michael A. McHugh, Company A, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 

First Class Private Albert II. HoRwiTii, Company C, 311th Machine-gun Battalion 

General Order Headquarters, 79tli Division, A. E. F. 

No. 29 France, May 8, 1!)19 

Extract 

Par. 13.. .For gallantry in action and meritorious services, the following is published for the in- 
formation o{ the command: 

Private Ralph C. Seybert, Coininmy B, 312tli Machine-gun Battalion 
Private William Parkinson, Sanitary Detachment, 31'-ith Machine-gun Battalion 
Sergeant Hooper C. Tucker, Company A, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
Private James M. Jones, Company A, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Class Private Xorma.v C. Knipe, Company A, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Lieutenant Louis Mumford Washburn, Company B, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
Supply Sergeant WILLIAM K. DIESTE (deceased). Company B, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
Sergeant Daniel James Duffy, Company B, 312th Machine-gim Battalion 
First Class Private Ralph White Feller, Company B, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Sergeant Sidney' Wh.^ley Welkhorn, Company B, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Class Private Joseph Sadoski, Company B, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
Sergeant Martin Cavanaugh, Company B, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Cl.4ss Private Benjamin B. Hessey, Company C, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Cla.ss Private William Jones, Company C, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Class Private Ralph L. Brittingham, Company C, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Class Private Howard M. Kirebel (now Corporal), Company C, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Cla.ss Private Hugh O. Williams, Company C, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Class Private William D. Simmons, Company C, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Class Private William N. Brazel (now Sergeant), Company C, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
Sergeant Adam Colaizzi, Company D, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Sergeant Wallace T. Price, Company D, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Class Private DANnEL McMahon, Company D, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
Captain Edward G. Bothwell, Company C, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
Corporal Henry E. Cruse, Company D, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
First Class Private Albert M. White, Company D, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
Corporal Arthur H. Righter, Company A, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
Private Ch.^rles C. Collins, Company A, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 
Corporal Ralph H. Murtagh, Company A, 312th Machine-gun Battalion 

General Order Headquarters, 79th Division, A. E. F. 

No. 29 Fiance, May 8, 1919 

Extract 

Par. 16.. For gallantry in action and meritorious services, the following is published for the in- 
formation of the command: 



468 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Major Elgexe S. Pleasantox, A<ljiitant 157th Infantry Brigade 

First Lieutexant Allen Butler, Infantry, Aide-de-Camp, 157th Infantry Brigade 

First Lieutexaxt Raymond J. Hurley, Inf.. Aide-de-Camp, 157th Infantry Brigade 

M.\JOH Leonard Sullivax, Field .\rtillery. Adjutant, 158th Infantry Brigade 

Captain Clifton Lisle. As.sistant Adjutant, 158th Infantry Brigade 

First Lieutenant Deax C. Howard, Cavalry, Aide-de-Carap to 158th Infantry Brigade Commander 

First Lieutenant H. W. Webbe, .SOlth Field Signal Battalion, Headquarters 158th Infantry Brigade 

as Signal Officer 
Private J.\mes H. Madigan, Company H, 316th Infantry 
Private Elam E. Schmoyer, Headquarters Detachment, Infantry Brigade 

General Order Headquarters, 79th Division, A. E. F. 

Xo. '29 France, May 8, 1919 

Extract 

Par. 15. . . For gallantry in action and meritorious services, the following is published for the in- 
formation of the command: 

Second Lieutenant Joseph Cabla (then Sergeant), Company F, 31-tth Infantry 
Sergeaxt Robert VanVechten, Company B, 31-tth Infantry 
Corporal Norman R. Greene, Company D, 304th Supply Train 

General Order Headquarters, 79th Division, A. E. F. 

No. ^9 France, May 8, 1919 

Extract 

Par. 16. . . For gallantry in action and meritorious services, the following is published for tlie in- 
formation of the command: 

Captain Axtoine Prevost Du Co.mte, Infantry, French Army 
Secoxd Lieutenant Edouard Cautchois, Infantry, French Army 
Captaix Robert Feuardent, 136th Regiment Infantry, French Army 
Second Lieutenant Henro C.^stel, Chasseurs Alpines, French Army 
Second Lieutenant Raymoxtj Bezancon. French Army 
First Lieutenant Paul Medinger, Infantry, French Army 
Lieutenant Louis Olivier Emilie Comoy, Infantry, French Army 
Captain Antone Aoul Brondelle, Infantry, French Army 
Lieutenant Stephen Knocker, Infantry, French Army 
Captaix Marie Adolphe de Castej.\, Chasseurs, French Army 
Lieutenant Paul Rochat, Chasseurs, French Army 
Second Lieutenant Andre Garelle, Engineers, French Army 
Second Lieutenant Jean Bezos, Engineers, French Army 

General Order Headquarters, 79th Division, A. E. F. 

No. 29 France, May 8. 1919 

Extract 

Par. 17. . .For gallantry in action and meritorious services, the following is published for llie in- 
formation of the command: 

First Class Sergeant Benjamin Peteh Koch, Company F, 304th Engineers 
Captain Richard C. Green'l.^nd, Company A, 304th Engineers 
Lieutenant James E. Donovan, Company A, 304th Engineers 
Sergeant James A. Mitchell, Company A, 304th Engineers 
First Class Private Mertox M. Babcock, Company A, 304th Engineers 
Lieutenant Marcus J. Yoltuans, Company A, 304th Engineers 
Sergeant Cl.\ude H. Steigerw.^lt, Company A, 304th Engineers 
Corporal ^YILLIAM T. Wrightson, Company A, 304th Engineers 
First Sergeant Samuel F. W. Morrison Company, A 304th Engineers 
Corporal Robert J. Willl\ms, Company \, 304tli Engineers 
CoRPOR.vL Benjamin Tuck, Company A, 304th Engineers 



APPENDIX n— DECORATIONS AND ( ITATIONS 4fi9 

SEHiiKA.NT John Phillips. Company 15, 'Mtiih Engineers 

Sergeant Willabd S. Keiiler, Company B. 304th Engineers 

ViasT Cl.\ss PniVATE \kola Montesaxo. Cu. B, 304tli Engineers 

Pri\ate Cl.vhen'ce Boyer, Co. B, .304111 Engineers 

Private Joseph Colotta. Company B. 304th Engineers 

Private Frank Kohler, Sanitary Detachment. .'{04tli P^ngineers 

First Cl.vss Sergeant .\lbert Parkinson-, Company I). .304tli Engineers 

Sergeant David R. Mc Leod, Company D. 304th Engineers 

First Cl.\ss Sergeant Herbert Logie, Company E. .304th Engineers 

First Ci^vss Private John H. Fean, Company E. 304th Engineers 

Private James J. McIntvre, Company E, 304th Engineers 

First Sergeant N.vthaniel O. (Iaxdy, Company C. 304th Engineers 

First Cl.vss Sergeant Thomas Flanagan, Company C. 304th Engineers 

Wagoner Alvin May, Company C, 304th Engineers 

Sergeant Paul A. Leo, Company C, 304tli Engineers 

First Class Private J.\( ob M. Merrum. Company <^, 304tli Engineers 

Cook Daniel Pisani, Company C, 304th Engineers 



Personal Order Headquarters, 7!)th Division, A. E. F. 

No. -2!) France. May S. 11119 

Extra( t 

Par. 18, For gallantry in action and nii'ritorioiis services, the following is pnlilisjied for the in- 
formation of the command: 

Wa(;oner Harry F. Behm, Headquarters Troop. Tilth Division 
Wagoner Leroy R. .Andrews. Headquarters Troo)). Tilth Divisiim 



General Order Headquarters, Tittli Division. A. E. F. 

Jvo. 29 France, May U. 1919 

Extract 

Par. 17 (a) For gallantry in action anil meritorious services, the following citations are published 
for the information of the command: 

Captain Wall^vce Ashby', Company E. .304th Regiment Engineers 
Captain James H. Smith, Jr., Company E, 304th Engineers 
Captain John D. Brewster. Company E. 304th Regiment Engineers 
Captai.n Gordon H. Ferxald. ComiJany I), 304th Regiment Engineers 
Captain Clinton W. Morgan. Company \, 304th Regiment Engineers 
Captai.v J.\mes M. Roberts, .\<l]'utant, 1st Battalion. 304th Regiment Engineers 
First Lieutexant Otis D. Co\ell. Company D, 304th Regiment Engineers 
First Lieltexant A. G. \'an\ess. Company B. 304th Regiment Engineers 
First Lieutenant Ar( hibald J. Filtox, Jr., Company F. 304th Regiment Engineers 
First Lieuten.\nt Roy X. Mc Bride. Company E, 304th Regiment Engineers 
Mr. H. L. Johnson, Y. M. C. \.. Secretary 



MISCELLANEOUS CITATIONS 

General Orders Headquarters, 79th Division, .\. E. F. 

No. -2.3 April 17. 1919 

1. The following letter, dated .\pril 13. from the Commaiuier-in-Chief to Division Commander is 
published for the information of the command: 



470 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

American Expeditionary Forces, 
Office of the Conimander-in-Chief, 
France, April 13, 1919 
Major General Joseph E. Kidui, 
Commanding 79th Division, 
American E. F. 
My dear General Kuhn: 

It afforded me great satisfaction to inspect the 79th Division on April 1'2, and on that occasion 
to decorate the standards of j-our regiments and, for gallantry in action, to confer medals upon certain 
officers and men. Your transportation and artillery were in splendid shape, and the general appear- 
ance of the division was well up to the standard of the American Expeditionary Forces. Tlu-oughout 
the inspection and review the excellent morale of the men and their pride in the record of their organ- 
ization was evident. 

In the Meuse-Argonne Offensive the division had its full share of hard fighting. Entering the 
line for the first time on September 26 as the right of the center corps, it took part in the beginning of 
the great Meuse-Argonne Offensive. By September 27 it had captured the strong position of Mont- 
faucon, and in spite of hea\y artillery reaction, the Bois de Beuge and Nantillois were occupied. On 
September 30 it was relieved, having advanced ten kilometers. It again entered the battle on October 
29, relieving as part of the 17th French Corps, the 29th Di\ision in the Grande Montague Sector to 
the east of the Meuse River. From that time until the armistice went into effect, it was almost con- 
stantly in action. On November 9, Crepion, Wavrille and Gibercy were taken, and in conjunction 
w ith elements on the right and left, Etraye and Moirey were invested. On November 10, Chaumont- 
devant-Damvilliers was occupied, and on November 11 Ville-devant-Chaumont was taken — a total of 
9 kilometers. 

This is a fine record for any division and I want the officers and men to know this and to realize 
how much they have contributed to the success of our arms. They may return home justly proud of 
themselves and of the part they have played in the American Expeditionary Forces. 

Sincerely yours, 

John J. Pershing. 
2. This order will be read to all organizations at the first formation after receipt, and posted on 
Company bulletin boards. 

By command of Major Gexer.vl Kuhn, 

P. T. H.VYNE, Jr., 
Colonel, General Staff, 
Chief of Staff. 
Official: 
J. H. Steinman, 
Lt. Col., Adj. Gen. 
Adjutant. 

General Order General Headquarters, A. E. F. 

No. 203 France, November 12, 1918 

The enemy has capitulated. It is fitting that I address myself in thanks directly to the officers 
and soldiers of the American Expeditionary Forces, who by their heroic efforts have made possible 
this glorious result. 

Our Armies, hurriedly raised and hastily trained, met a veteran enemy, and by courage, discipline 
and skill always defeated him. Without complaint you have endured incessant toil, privation and 
danger. You have seen many of your comrades make the Supreme Sacrifice that freedom may live. 

I thank you for your patience and courage with which j-ou have endured. I congratulate you 
upon the splendid fruits of victory, which your heroism and the blood of our gallant dead are now pre- 
senting to our nation. Y'ouR deeds will live forever on the most glorious pages of America's 
history. 

Those things jou have done. There remains now a harder task Mhich will test your soldierly 
qualities to the utmost. Success in this and little note will be taken and few praises sung; fail, and 
the light of your glorious achievements of the past will be sadly dimmed. 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 471 

But you will not fail. Every natural tendency may urge towards relaxation in discipline, in 
conduct, in appearance, in everything that marks the soldier. Yet you will remember that each of- 
ficer and EACH SOLDIER IS THE REPRESENTATIVE IN EUROPE OF HIS PEOPLE and that his brilliant deeds 
of yesterday permit no action of today to pass unnoticed by friend or foe. 

You will meet this test as gallantly as you met the test of the battlefield. Sustained by your high 
ideals and inspired by the heroic part you have played, you w ill carry back to your people the proud 
consciousness of a new Americanism born of sacrifice. 

Whether you stand on hostile territory or the friendly soil of France, you wtll be.vk yourself 

IN DISCIPLINE, APPE.\RANCE AND RESPECT FOR ALL CIVIL RIGHTS THAT YOU WILL CONFIRM FOR ALL TIME 
THE PRIDE AND LOVE WHICH EVERY AMERICAN FEELS FOR YOUR UNIFORM AND FOR YOU. 

John J. Pershing, 
General, Commander-in-Chief. 

WAR DEFT. CITATIONS 

Edv>'ahd a. Leonard, sergeant, Company H, 314th Infantry. For gallantry in action on Hill 328, 
November 10, 1918, while operating alone an automatic rifle and effectivelj' neutralizing two 
enemy machine guns. Residence at enlistment: Wilawana, Pa. 

George Williams, colonel. Cavalry, then colonel, 316th Infantry. For gallantry in action near the 
Borne du Cornouiller, France, November 3-4, 1918. Although badly gassed. Colonel Williams 
refused to be evacuated and continued in command of his regiment until he finally collapsed. 
Address: Care of The Adjutant General of the Army, Washington, D. C. Entered military service 
from Illinois. 

Headquarters, 79th Division, A. E. F., 

France, 14th November 1918. 
From: Commanding General. 

To: Commanding Officer, Hcadcjuarters Troop. 

Subject: Conduct of personnel. 

While it was not given to your organization to take part in the actual figliting, it is nevertheless 
true that its work was essential for the proper functioning of the Division as a whole. Its work was 
not without its hardships and frequently involved danger. The personnel of the troop has, without 
exception, performed its duties conscientiously and well and I desire that you express to the men my 
appreciation of their eft'orts toward the common end which semes now in fair way of accomplishment. 

Joseph E. Kuhn, 
Major General, U. S. A. 

No. 211 

General Order Headquarters, 79th Division, 

No. 21 A. E. F., France, Nov. 19, 1918. 

The following letter from om- esteemed Corps Commander is published to the Command with 
the knowledge that the sentiments expressed therein are reciprocated by each and every officer and 
man. This Division is to be congratulated for having won the respect and praise of a soldier so ex- 
perienced and able as General Cl.\udel: 

'"At Headquarters, 18 November, 1918. 
The General Claudel, 

Commander of II Corps Colonial Army. 
To the General Commanding 79th D. I. U. S. 
My dear General: 

At the moment of departure from the region of Verdun, I pray you to express to your troops, 
staffs and services the thanks of the commander of the II French Colonial Army Corps, and of their 
French comrades, for the devoted and generous co-operation which they have given. 

The conditions of the fighting, of communications and of the weather have often been very difficult, 
and I know that the 79th United States Division has spared neither its efforts nor casualties in the 
region of The Grand Montagne, Borne du Cornouiller and of the Cote de Romagne. 



472 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

They ha^•e finally the merited reward of hurling the enemy baek into the plain and of seeing him 
definitely withdraw from there. 

I will never forget, my dear General, the cordial relations which have existed between us, and I 
[nay yon to agree to the expression of my devoted sentiments. 

H. C'laudei.." 
Jo.SEPH E. Kuiix, 
Major General, U. S. Army. 

General Orders Headquarters, 313th U. S. Infantry 

No. 27. American E.X7)editionary Forces, 4th May. 1919. 

1. Pursuant to instructions contained therein, the following communication received by the Regi- 
mental Commander from the Commanding General of the Division is published to the command for 
their information. 

1. On eve of the departure of the 79th Division from France to the Unitetl States, the Division 
Commander desires to record his appreciation of the services of the 313th Infantry. 

2. Throughout its career it has uniformly demonstrated a high order of combat efficiency under 
your leadership. First put to the test in line in the Avocourt Sector, two companies demonstrated 
their mettle by successfully repelling two enemy raids, one made in large force, with selected shock 
trooi)s accompanied by heavy artillery preparation. During the first phase of the Meuse-.\rgonne 
offensive it fell to the lot of the Regiment to attack the enemy's justly dreaded stronghold of Mont- 
faucon, which it gallantly overran after a severe struggle. On September 29, 1918, although exhausted 
and depleted by its previous efforts, the Regiment again took up the front line under a galling artillery 
fire and reached the farthest point of the advance of the Division in front of the Bois de Cunel. 

3. During the last phase of the Meuse-.\rgonne offensive, the Second Battalion of the Regiment was 
largely responsible for the exploitation of the success of the capture of Hill 378, and by its advance 
beyond this hill and breaking through the enemy's Claire Chene trenches in forcing his withdrawal 
from the heights north of Verdim. 

4. The record of your Regiment throughout its entire career is one to which it may look back with 
pride and pleasure. The Division Commander desires that \-ou make known to your Regiment his 
appreciation of its fine services. 
By order of Colonel Sweezey: 

TlK.M.\S H. Bhaulee, 

Captain. 313th I". S, Infantry, 
Adjutant. 

Headquarters, 79th Division, 
Am. E. F., France. 27 Xovemher, 1918. 
From: Commanding General. 

To: C. O. 316th Infantry, thru C. G. 1.58th Infantry Brigade. 

Subject: Commendation of Regiment. 

1. In the final offensi\e on the heights East of the Meuse and North of Wrduii the task of break- 
ing the enemy's resistance at the Borne du Cornouiller (Hill 378) devolved upon the 31Gth Regiment 
of Infantry. Stubbornly defended by the enemy, this tactically strong point presented an obstacle 
of the most serious character. In spite of all difficulties the regiment succeeded after three days heavy 
fighting, November 4th to (jth, in capturing and finally holding the Borne du Cornouiller, in breaking 
the enemy's resistance and contributing materially to driving the enemy f?-om the heights East of the 
!Meuse a few days later. 

2. Numerous authenticated instances of gallantry, tenacity and endurance have come to the Com- 
manding General's notice proving beyond question that the Regiment acquitted itself with the great- 
est credit and in a manner worth.\' of the best .\merican traditions. 

3. The Commanding General takes gi-eat pride in the achievements of the Regiment and directs 
that you bring this letter to the attention of your command. 

Joseph E. Kuhx, 
Major General, U. S. .\. 
1st Ind. 
Hq. 1.58th Infantry Brig., .\merican E. F., 28 November 1918. To Commanding Officer, 316th In- 
fantrv. 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND (TTATIONS 473 

1. Transmitteil. It is witli pk'asuir tluil tin' Hiigade t'oniinamlcr transmits tliis Wfll-dt'served 
letter of commendation from the Division ( ommander. \ow that the immeihate fi);htinf; would appear 
to be over, it should be an ineenti\'e to e\'ei"y offieer and soldier of the 31()th Inf. to maintain under 
existing conditions, by its appearance, training and discipline, the high standard gained on the field of 
battle. 

E\Ax M. .loHxsox, 
Brigadier General. Commanding. 
'2\u Ind. 
Headquarters 316th Infantry, \. E. F"., 99 November 1S>18: To all Hattalion C'onnnanders and Com- 
manding Officers of Headquarters Co., Machine Gun Co., .Supply Co. and Sanitary Uctachment. 

1. The present Commanding Officer of the SUith Infantry takes pleasure in transmitting this 
letter of commendation from the Commanding General together with the indorsement of commendation 
added by the Brigade Commander, to the members of the command. He congratulates Colonel George' 
Williams and Lieutenant-Colonel George E. Haedicke, who successivel.v commanded the Regiment at 
the Borne du Cornouiller, and all the officers and men who participated in the combat of November 
4th to 0th, on the excellent work they performed at that lime, and on the splendid name they won for 
the Regiment. The high standard set in combat will be the stamiard aimed at in training for combat. 

G.\RRisox McCaskey, 



Colonel, .'iKith Infantrv. 



HE.XDQIARTERS 7!)tm I)I\1SI0\ 
A. E. v., France 
A. P. O. 771 



April 17. li)19. 



CfiLOXEL .Ja.MES F. BaKIIKU. 

Commanding ;S04th Uegimint of Engineers. 
M,v Dear CoKmel: 

In reviewing the record and service of the several organizations which forni the- 7*.tth Division, 
I have been strongly impressed by those of the 304th Engineers. 

From the moment of its organization the regiment has displayed marked esprit and loyalty which 
time has only ser\ed to strengthen. Although the character of the duties exacted of the Engineers is 
a distinct handicap, the regiment has at all times shown a discipline, .soldierly bearing and appearance 
comparable to that of the Infantry. 

During the entire campaign of the 7!)th Division, the 304th Engineers have responded to every 
call made upon them, regardless of weather or other obstacles. The regiment has made a record of 
wliicli I am justly proud ami I desire to thank you and every man in it for their unswerving loyalty 
and support. 

Xery sincerely, 

Joseph E. Kuhx, 
Major General, I'. S. .\. 

(For Official Circulation only.) (G. O. 23:2) 

G. H. Q. 
.\merican Expeditionary Forces 
General Orders J France, Dec. 19, 1918 

No. 232 ) 

It is with a sense of gratitude for its splendid accomplishment, which will li\e through all history 
that I record in General Orders a tribute to the victory of the First .\rmy in the Meuse-.\rgonne battle. 

Tested and strengthened by the reduction of the St. Mihiel salient, for more than six weeks you 
battered again.st the pivot of the enemy line on the Western front. It was a position of imposing 
natural strength, stretching on both sides of the Meuse River from the bitterly contested hills of \'erdun 
to the almost impenetrable forest of the .\rgonne; a position, moreover, fortified by four years of labor 
designetl to render it impregnable: a position held with the fullest resources of the enemy. That posi- 
tion you broke utterly, and thereby hastened the collapse of the enemy's military power. 

Soldiers of all the divisions engaged under the First, Third and Fifth Corps — the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 
4th, 5th, 7th. 20th. 28th, 29th, 32nd, 33rd, 5th, 37th, 42nd, 77th, 78th, Sevexty-xtnth, 80th, 82nd, 



474 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

89th, 90th and 91st — you will be long remembered for the stubborn persistence of your progress, your 
storming of obstinately defended machine-gun nests, your penetration, yard by j'ard, of woods and 
ravines, your heroic resistance in the face of coimter-attacks supported by powerful artillery fire. For 
more than a month, from the initial attack of September 56th, you fought your way slowly through 
the Argonne, through the woods and over hills west of the Meuse; you slowly enlarged your hold on 
the Cotes de Meuse to the east; and then, on the first of November, your attack forced the enemy into 
flight. Pressing his retreat, j-ou cleared the entire left bank of the Meuse south of an, Sedand then 
stormed the heights on the right bank and drove him into the plain beyond. 

Your achievement, which is scarcely to be equalled in American history, must remain a source of 
proud satisfaction to the troops who participated in the last campaign of the war. The American 
people will remember it as the realization of the hitherto potential strength of the American contribu- 
tion toward the cause to which they had sworn allegiance. There can be no greater reward for a soldier 
or for a soldier's memory. 

John J. Persuing, 
General Commander in Chief 
American Expeditionary Forces. 
Official: 

Robert C. Davis, 

Adjutant General. 

General Order Headquarters, 79th Division, A. E. F. 

Xo. 16 6th March, 1919. 

1 The following letter from the Commander-in-Chief American E. F., and indorsement of the 

Chief Signal Officer, A. E. F., is quoted for the information of the Division: 

"AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES" 

Office of the Commander in Chief 

February 19, 1919. 
Brig. General Edgar Russel, 

Chief Signal Officer, A. E. F. 
My dear General Russel: 

Now that active operations have ceased, I desii'e to congratulate the officers and men of the Signal 
Corps in France on their work, which stands out as one of the great accomplishments of the .\merican 
Expeditionary Forces — the result of a happy combination of wise planning and bold execution with 
the splendid technical qualities of thousands of men from the great commercial telephone, telegi-aph 
and electrical enterprises of America. It is a striking example of the wisdom of placing higldy skilled 
technical men in the places where their experience and skill will count the most. 

Each Army, Corps and Division has had its full quota of Field Signal Battalions, which, in spite 
of serious losses in battle accomplished their work, and it is not too much to say that with their faithful 
and brilliant efforts and the communications which they installed and maintained, the successes of 
our armies would not have been achieved. 

While the able management of the directing personnel is recognized, it is my desire that all mem- 
bers of the Signal Corps, who, regardless of long hours and trying conditions of service, have operated 
and maintained the lines, shall know that their loyalty, faithfulness and painstaking care has been 
known and appreciated. In the name of the American Ex-peditionary Forces, I thank them one and 
all and send to them the appreciation of their comrades in arms and their Commander-in-Chief. 

Sincerely yours, 

(Signed) John J. Pershing. 
The Chief Signal Officer desires to add to the above an expression of his own sincere appreciation 
of, and his hearty congratulations on the skillful and successful performance of their work in the Amer- 
ican E. F., which has residted in the Signal Corps personnel of these forces collectively and individually 
receiving such unstinted and unusual praise from their Commander-in-Chief. 

E. Rbssell, 
Brigadier General, 
C. S. O. 



APPENDIX IV— DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS 475 

General Order / Headquarters, 79tli Division, A. E. F. 

Xo. -a \ Uth April, 1919. 

The Division Commander takes great pride and pleasure in announcing to the Command bis satis- 
faction with the inspection and review held this day by the Commander-in-Chief. 

In spite of unfavorable weather, the appearance of men, animals, wagons and trucks was abo\e 
criticism and the march by well executed and impressive. 

The appearance and behaviour of the division elicited generous commendation, not only from the 
Conunander-in-Chief in person, but from all visiting General Officers from G. II. Q. and the IX Corps. 
The Division Commander feels justly proud of the division and desires to thank every member 
thereof for their loyal efforts which have resulted in such well merited praise. 

This order « ill be read to all organizations at the first formation after receipt and posted on all 
bulletin boards. 

By command of Major General Kuhn: 

P. T. IIayxe, Jr.. 
C"olonel, General Staff. 

Chief of Staff. 

Official: 

J. H. Steinhun, 

Lt. Col. Adj. Gen. 
Adjutant 

General Order! Headquarters, T9th Division, A. E. K. 

No. 23 I 13th April, 1919. 

1. The following letter of appreciation from Major General C. P. Sumraerall, Commanding IX 
Army Corps and dated 10th April is published for the information of the Command: 

"HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS 

AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 
A. P. O. 932 

France, 10th April, 1919 

Kiom: Major General C. P. Summerall, Commanding Ninth Army Corps, American E. F. 
To: Commanding General, Seventy-ninth Division, American E. F. 

Subject: Appreciation of Services. 

1. Upon the relief of the 79th Division from the Ninth Army Corps, in compliance with orders of 
higher authority, the Corps Commander desires to communicate to the officers and soldiers of the 
Division his appreciation and commendation of the services rendered by the Division during its period 
of duty with the Ninth Army Corps. 

a. The Division was assigned to the Ninth Army Corps on December 31st, 1918, and since tliat 
time it has been continually occupied in the training area. The officers and soldiers have at all times 
rendered most loyal response to every demand that has been made upon them. The training, morale 
and discipline of the Division are of a very high order and reflect credit upon the leadership and the 
elements of command in all grades. The good wishes and the abiding interest of the Corps Commander 
will accompany the members of the Division in their future careers. 

C. P. Summerall." 

This letter will be read at formation after receipt and will be published on Company Bulletia 
Boards. 

By command Major General Kuhn: 
Official: P. T. Hatoe, Jr. 

J. H. Steixman, Colonel, General Staff, 

Lt. Col. Adj. Gen. Chief of Staff. 

Adjutant. 

(Dated April 17th, 1919, from Commanding General of the Second Army.) 



476 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

M.UOH Gexkral Joseph E. Kuhx, 
Commanding 79th Division, 
American E. F. 
Dear General Kuhn; 

I wish to extend my congratulations to the officers and men of the ."I.jth Infantry ReginicDt as- 
sembled under my command in the absence of the Commander-in-Chief for review on April 14th in 
honor of the Hon. Josephus Daniels, Secretary of the Navy. 

T'nfortimately the Secretary was unable to attend but Admirals Long. Griffon. Taylor and other 
officers of the Secretary's Staff reviewed the regiment and expressed most cordial commendations on 
the appearance of the troops and the excellence of the review in every detail. 

(Signed) H. Ligoett, 

Lt. General, U. S. A. 



AITEXDIX V 
FIELD ORDERS 

MEUSE-ARGONNE, (FIRST PHASE) 

TROYON SECTOR 

I. A GRANDE :M0NTAGNE, (THIRD PHASE, MEUSE-ARGOXNE) 

ORDER OF OPERATIONS, 
II FRENCH COLONIAL CORPS, for 
November 10, 1018 



Kill- 
Field Old 



Id Onle.- ) H=x 
No. -2 \ 

Maps: Verdun } 
Bar le Due 1 



hF,( HKT 



Copy \u 

Hea.|t(uartcr.s. 79th Division, A. E. K. 

I'Zth Septeml)er 1!)1S, l->li (**) 



1 : Sll.dlK) 



1. Tile l.j/lli liil'iiuti-y Division I Kreueli) now lioliis Seetor .'!04. The sector is divided into two 
brigade sectors: the right liiigade sector is now held by the 333id Infantry Regiment (French); the 
left brigade sector is held by the 371st Regiment (U. S.), which is organized according to the French 
organization and etiuijjped throughout with French material. The sector on the right of the l.;7th 
Division (French) is held by the 33rd Division (U. S.), The sector on the left of the l.)7th Division 
probably is held by a French division. Definite information furnished later. 

The 79th Division (less 1.54th F. .V. Brig.; and Hq., i Truck Cos.. 2 Caisson Cos.. and attached 
elements of the .'!04th .Vniniunition Train) will move from the Robert Espagne .Vrea to Sector 304 in 
accordance with table ""B" (to be furnished). 

i. Commencing on the night l.'ith-14th September, the 7!)th Division will relieve the 1.57th 
Division (French) in the .Sector .304 in accordance with the attached table "A". Guides, 1.57th Divi- 
sion, will be furnishetl for the relief. The relief will be completed during the night 1 jth-16th September. 
The command of the sector passes from the Commanding General, 157th Divisionp to the Commanding 
General, 79th Division, at 8h, 16th September. The limits of this sector, its line of observation, 
zone of resistance, brigade sectors, and battalion sub-sectors are approximately indicated on the ac- 
companying (secret) map. 

(477) 



478 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

3 (a). The 158th Brigade will relieve the troops in the right brigade sector. 

(1). The 315th Infantry will relieve the troops in ad\anee of the Divisional Reserve. The sector 
in advance of the Bridage Reserve is divided into two sub-sectors. The 315th Infantry will relieve the 
troops in the right sub-sector in advance of the zone of resistance with one company of the II Bn.; 
those in the zone of resistance with two companies of the same battalion. The 4th Company, II Bat- 
talion, will take station in rear of the zone of resistance in this sub-sector. 

(2). The troops in the left sub-sector in advance of the zone of resistance will be relieved by one 
company of the I Bn. 315th Infantry. Those in the zone of lesistance will be relieved by two companies 
of the same battalion. The 4th Company of this l)attalion will he stationed in rear of the zone of re- 
sistance in this sub-sector. 

(3). The III Bn., 315th Infantry, will constitute the Brigade Reserve, and will be stationed as 
indicated in table "A." 

(b). The 157th Brigade will relieve the troops in the left brigade sector. 

(1). The 313th Infantry will relieve the troops in advance of the Divisional Reserve. The 
sector in advance of the Brigade Reserve is divided into two sub-sectors. The troops in the right sub- 
sector in advance of the zone of resistance will be relieved by one company of the III Bn., 313th In- 
fantry. Those in the zone of resistance will be relieved by two companies of the same Ijattalion. The 
4th Company, III Battalion, will be stationed in rear of the zone of resistance. 

(2). The troops in the left sub-sector in advance of the zone of resistance will be relieved by 
one company of the II Bn. 313th Infantry. Those in the zone will of resistance be relieved l)y two 
companies of the same battalion. The 4th Companj' of this battalion will be stationed in rear of 
the zone of resistance. 

(3). The I Bn., 313th Infantry, will constitute tlie Brigade Reserve, and will Ije staticjned as 
indicated in table "A." 

(c). The 314th Infantry and 31(ith Infantry will constitute the Divisional R'serve and will be 
stationed as indicated in table "A." 

(d). The regimental machine-guns in each brigade sector will be relieved by the regimental 
machine-gun company of the regiment in advance of the Divisional Reserve, augmented to the extent 
necessary from the machine-gun battalion of the brigade assigned to the sector. 

(e). The following personnel from the 157th Division (French) is to remain with the troops of 
the 79th Division for twenty-four hoiu-s (24) after their units have been relieved; 

From Infantry Regts.: Regimental Commanders; Battalion Commanders (or the seconds in com- 
mand); one Officer per Company. 

From Machine-gim Cos.: One Officer per Company; one Section Commander; one gunner for 
each gim. 

4 (a). On and after embnssing all unnecessary noise will be avoided, smoking is prohibited during 
the night, and after debussuig the rattling of equipment will be prevented. No member of the command 
will, pending arrival at debussing point, furnish any information as to his identity, the organization 
to which he belongs, his mission or his destination, to any person other than an officer of the 79th 
Division or Military Police personnel. 

(b). Each man armed with the rifle will carry his belt filled with ammunition and two (2) bando- 
liers in addition. Three thousand rounds will be carried by the crew of each machine-gun. Each 
carrier of an automatic team will carry 250 rounds. Each officer and man armed with the pistol will 
carry 21 rounds of pistol ammunition. One three-ton truck per regiment will carry the following 
additional small-arms ammunition: 

About 50 boxes of caliber .30 ball cartridges. 
About 5 boxes of pistol ammunition. 

Hand grenades, V. B. grenades, and Stokes Mortar ammunition are sector stores and will be taken 
over from the troops relieved. 37 mm. gim ammunition and Stokes Mortars will be furnished later. 

(c). Rockets and other pjTotechnic signals are trench stores and will be taken over from the 
troops relieved. 

(d). Maps, plans of defense, log books and other trench stores will be taken over from the troops 
relieved. 

(e). There is an abundance of wood in the sector. 



APPENDIX V— FIELD ORDERS 479 

(f). Every canteen will he filled before embussing. Additional water can be obtained locally 
after debussing. 

(g). Each officer and man will carry two days' rations with him un his truck. So far as practi- 
cable, these rations will be such that they can be eaten without cooking. It is probable that coffee 
<an be made in the fi.\ed kitchens in the sector after the troops arrive. 

(h). Rolling kitchens and wagons containing additional rations, forage, and the field ranges 
of organizations not provided with rolling kitchens, will leave their present billets after the noon meal 
on the day scheduled for the departure of their units. They will proceed by regimental detachments 
under the command of the Regimental Supjily Officer in accordance with table "B" and apjiended 
map "A" to clear points designated in march table (to be furnished later), and coming under C. O. 
of Trains as provided in march table. These detachments will not pass beyond Bar-le-Duc before 
■dark on the first day and will not leave their first bivouac before dark on the second clay. 

The grades immediately north anil south of Marats-la-Grande are difficult and probably it will 
be found necessary to double teams at these points. Regimental Supply Officers are responsible 
that no wagon or rolling kitchen carries more than its normal load and that all orders are complied with. 

(i). Such field and combat wagons as can be horsed and are not required for the transport of the 
above mentioned supplies may be used for other authorized supplies and will move with their regimental 
detachments. 

(j). Equipment. Each officer and man will be equipped as prescribed in Secret Order No. 3, these 
headquarters, 10th September 1918. 

(k). Gas masks will be worn in the alert position during the movement and pending further 
instructions. 

(I). Uniform. Overcoats will be worn during the movement by truck and the slicker will be 
worn if it is raining. 

(m). Further instructions relative to additional ammunition rations, forage, sanitary arrange- 
ments, property which cannot accompany the troops, and vehicles for which there are no animals, 
will be issued later. 

5. Division P. C* — Robert Espagxe to lih, 14th September 1918; Blercoubt l'2h, 14th 
September 1918; JouY en .\rgonne 8h, 16th September 1918. 

157th Brig. P. C— Recicourt 9h. 13th September 1918. 

158th Brig. P. C— Join- 9h, 13th September 1918; Domb.^sle 8h, 16th September 1918. 

3I3th Inf. P. C. — Camp de Pommieres 9h, 13th September 1918; Vehbiebbs 8h, 15th September 
1918. 

315th Inf. P. C— Do.MB.\SLE 9h, 13th September 1918; "309" 9h, 15th September 1918. 

314th Inf. P. C— Recicourt 9h, 14th September 1918; Pommieres 8h, 16th September 1918. 

31Rth Inf. P. C— Domb.^sle 9h, 14th September 1918. 

Joseph E. Kohn 
(Major General U. S. A.) 

Secret 

Eor Copy No 

Field Orders ^ Headquarters, 79th Division A. E. F. 

No. 6 [■ France, September 25th, 1918, 13h30 

Part 1 ) 

Map: Argonne Special. 

1 (a). The enemy holds his line from the Meuse to the Aisne with about five divisions. In the 
immediate front of the 79th Division he has about one (1) Regiment of Infantry. 

(b). The 4th Division (III Army Corps) is on our right and is to assist; in turning Montfaucon; 
and (later) by turning the sector of the hostile second position in our divisional front. 

(c). The 37th Division is on our left. It is to assist the 79th Division in turning Bois de Mont- 
iaucon and in the capture of Montfaucon. 

2 (a). The 79th Division, maintaining close combat liaison with the 4th Division (III Corps) 
on its right, and with the 37th Division, (V Corps) on its left, will advance rapidly to the corps objective, 
the line 05.5-77.5, 08.2-80.2, 11.5-81.0. It will seize in succession Malancourt, Montfaucon and 
A''antillois. 



480 HISTORY OF THE SE\ EXTY-XINTH DIMSIOX 

(b). The advance will be pushed witli the greatest vigor. 

(c). In view of the extent of the ])rojeeted advance for the first day. Brigade Commander will 
provide, by echclonment in depth, the necessary driving power. 

(d). The leading brigade will furnish a contact combat patrol of one companj- and one machine- 
gun platoim on each flank for flank protection and for liaison with the divisions on the flanks, .\ddi- 
tional combat contact patrols will be providetl whenever necessary to protect the flanks and to insure 
liaison of units with troops right and left. 

(e). Zone of action see map already furnished): 

Kighl Boundary — Malancourt (inclusive) — Cuisy (exclusive) — Septsarges (exclusive) — Xantillois 
(inclusive) — C'unel (inclusive — Hill '2i)9-'2 km. northwest of C'unel (exclusive). 

Left Boundary — 1^2.G-!i71.8 to (coordinates) 1'2. 1-75.0 to (coordinates) 10.5-79.0 to (coordinates) 
OU.'i-SI.O to (coordinates) 09.0-81. S to (coordinates) 08.0-85.0 to (coordinates) OC.8-87 7 to (coordi- 
nates) OG.7-89.3. 

3 (a). Artillery Plan (see Annex "A"):* 

(b). The 157th Infantry Brigade and attached troops. Brigadier General Nicholson, Command- 
ing, will advance at H** hour on D** day from the line (coordinates) 12.5-71.6 to 15.2-7.3.4. 
* (e) Arlilkri/. 

1. The Artillery at the disposal of the 79th D I. U. S. consists of 6 groups of 75 s. 2 groups of loo's 
St. diamond, 2 groups of 155's, C. Sch.. 2 batteries of 9.2's and 1 T. N. B.. .58 mm. 

** H hour and D day were customarily used to designate the hour and day of the " juni]) off ' in all of 
these orders, as the exact time was never dividged until shortly before the attack. 

Light Kikld Artillery 

]-17thF. A I". S 5 B. 

120th F. A. r. S 3B. 

llSthF. A. U. S 6B. 

:!02n<l F. A. Fr. (Motorized) 9 B. 

Total 23 B. (batteries). 

He.WT FlKLl) .VliTILT.ERY 

155 C. .S. 

121.st F. A. U. S -IB. 

330 Regt. Fr. 155 C. St. Chamond 6 B. 

e5th C. \. V. S. 9.2 Howitzer Trench 

Mortars 2 B. 

107th T. M. B. U. S. (58 T) 12 Guns 

The regiments will be side by side, each with two (2) battalions abreast, and will approach to within 
300 meters of the barrage and will follow the barrage .\s closely as possible. Artillery fire will come 
down at H hour on the hostile front line trench system on the line (approximate coordinates) 12.3- 
72.4 to 14.7-74.2. .\t H plus 25 the artillery fire will be changed to a rolling barrage which will move 
forward by hounds of 100 meters every four (4) minutes. The barrage will make stands as follows' 

Coorflinates 

Locati<in (.Approximate) Duration 

On hostile front line trenches 12. 3-72. 4 to 14.7-74.2 25 Minutes. 

On hostile intermediate position 11 5-74. 3 to 14. 1-75. 10 minutes. 

On hostile second position 10. 2-77. 2 to 12. 5-77. 7 20 minutes. 

One Machine Gun Company will be attached to each front line battalion. 

Zone of Action: Zone of action 79th Division. 

(c). 158th Infantry Brigade, with the 310th M. G. Bn. attached. Brigadier General Noble, 
Commanding, will constitute the divisional reserve, and will follow the 157th Infantry Brigade at 
about 1000 meters. The regiments will start side by side and will advance in formations suited to the 
grounil and enemy fii-e. 



APPENDIX V— FIELD ORDERS 481 

(<1). 304th Engineers (less one company), and 304th Engr. Train, Colonel Jer\-.v, Conimanfling. 

The Engineers will reconnoiter, repair and maintain the road on the axis of supply close l)ehind 
the advancing infantry and will reconnoiter and render practicable for the passage of artillery a route 
to the front across our positions. No Man's Land, and the enemy's works, in accordance with detailed 
instructions from the Division Commander. 

(e). Tanks: 14th and loth Bns. and St. Chamond Groupe, French; one Co., 304th Kngrs. 

The tank battalions are to assemble at 24 hours D-I day on the \. end of Bois d'Esnes ('2' 2 km. 
W. Ksnes). They will start at H hour from their first assembly position situated X. of Hois de Mont- 
faucon (ll.S)-7(;. 1), where they will arrive by H plus 8 hours. If the tanks remain unemployed during 
the first stages of the infantry attack they will proceed to their .second assembly position n the Bois 
Cuiiel, where they will arrive at H plus l-Zh During this latter movement the tanks will carefully 
avoid roads reserved for artillery and motor vehicles. Infantry brigade commanders are authorized 
to call upon the tank commander for assistance while the tanks are at the assembly |)oints or enroute 
to the second assembl.v point. 

The Connnanding Officer of the Tank Service attached to the division will consult with the Com- 
manding Generals, lj7th and IJSth Brigades, prior to D day. 

The Commanding Officer. 304th Engineers, will designate a company to work with the tank corps. 

The Commanding General, 1.3.Stli Infantry Brigade, will detach one platoon of infantry equipped 
with the necessary shovels, jjicks, and wire cutters, to work with the ]4th Bn. of Tanks, and a platoon 
of infantry similaily equipped to work with the loth Bn. These platoons will report at the Forets 
of l>"ays and Sivry respectively at "h on D-I day. 

(f). Gas Service. 

The C. O., Co. D, 1st Gas Regiment, will assign his mortars equally to the C. O's., 313th and 
314lli IJegts. of Infantry. The proper commanding officers of the detachments, operating the mor- 
tars so attached, will consult with the regimental commanders concerned prior to D day with reference 
to the disposition and employment of the mortars. 

(g). Employment of .\ir .Service. 

214th (French) .\ero Squaihon; 6th (U. S.) Balloon Co. 

Liaison between the troops and the ail- service will be as prescribed in Plan of Liaison (Apj)cndi.i£ 
'•B"). 

The infantry |)laces will ascertain and report first line positions at II plus Ih, when the troops liave 
arrived on the hostile intermediate position, the hostile second, upon the corps objective, and when 
especially ordered. The command plane will make frequent reconnaissances in front of our advance 
and will report results to Div. P. C. 

The artillery planes will be at the disposition of the divisional artillcrj' commander. 

4. (See .\dministrative Onlcr, Anne.x "C"). 

5 (a). .Axes of Liaison. 

5th Corps — ^'ille sur Cousance — Brocourt — Recicourt — .\vocomt — Montfaucon — Cierges — Ro- 
mague sous Montfaucon — .\nde\anne — Xouart. 

79th Division — Cote 309 — Xortheast edge of Bois d'Esnes — Crossroad 3998 — Eastern exit of 
Esnes — Malancoiu't — Montfaucon — Xantillois — Cunel — Banthc\'ille — .\ndevanne — Tailly. 

(b). P. C's: 

79th Division — Near road exit E. edge Bois de Lambechamp. 
37tli Division — Aerrieres Ferme. 
157th Inf. Brig.— 14.8-(i8,8. 
158th Inf. Brig.— 15.8-68.0. 
57th .\rt. Brig.— P. C. 79th Div. 

Joseph E. Kuhx 
Major General, U. S. A. 

* 3 (e) AHTJLLERY 

1. The Artillery at tlie disposal of the 79th D. I. U. S. consists of 6 groups of 75's, 2 groups of 
155's, St. diamond, 2 groups of 1.3.5's, C. Sch., 2 batteries 9.2's and 1 T. il. B., 58 mm. 

** H hour and D day were customarily used to designate the hour and day of the "jump oft" in all of 
these orders, as the exact time was never divulged until shortly before the attack. 



482 



HISTORy OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 



Headquarters, 79th Division, 

5th October, 1918. 



Secret 

Field Order 
No. 12 

Maps: Blue Piint, Troyon .Sector, 
(1:80,000) 

1 (a). The 26th Division now holds the Troyon sector. This .sector is divided into two Brigade 
sectors named (from right to left) Massachusetts and Connecticut, each of which is further divided 
into two regimental sectors. The regimental sectors are named (from right to left) Conxord — Monti- 
PELiEn — .\uGUSTA — Providence. 

(b). In depth (from front to rear) the sector is divided into: The Zone of Observation (from 
2 to 5 km. deep on the lowlands of the Woevke); the Barrage Zone (behind the Zone of Observation 
and in front of the Zone of Resistance); the Zone of Resistance (on the military crest of the heights, 
and including the support lines on the reverse slope). 

(c). The opposing enemy line is held by a second or thu-d rate German division which has been 
uniformly unscucessful in raiding. The German artillery is active especially on the towns in the Zone 
of Observation. 

2. Pursuant to Special Orders No. 811, II Colonial Corps (French) dated 5th Octolwr, 1918, the 
79th Division will relieve the 20th Division in the Troyon Sector during the night 7/8 October 1918. 
The relief of the infantry and the machine-guns will be completed by the morning of 8th October 1918. 

3 (a). The 157th Inf. Brigade, consisting of the 313th Inf. 310th Infantry, Companies A and B, 
310th Machine-gun Battalion, and Companies A and D, 311th Machine-gun Battalion, Brig. General 
Nicholson, Commanding, will relieve the troops of the 20th Division in the Troyon Sector as follows, 
under tlic iliiection of the Commanding General, 26th Division: 

TROYON SECTOR 





Co.n'necticut 


Massachusetts 


PliO\ IDKNCK 




.\rGUSTA 


MONTIPELIER 


Concord 


Line of 


316th Inf. 


31Gth Inf. 


313th Inf 


313th Inf. 


Resistance 


One Bn. 


One Bn. 


OneBn. 


One Bn. 






316th Inf. 


313th Inf. 




In support 




One Bn. 


OneBn. 





The Biigade and Regimental machine-guns will relieve those of the 26th Division in the Zone 
of Resistance under the supervision of the Commanding Officer, 311th Machine-gun Bat alion, 

(b). Two French battalions are to accomplish the relief of the troops of the 26th Division in the 
Zone of Observation of the Troyon Sector on the night of 6/7 October, 1918. In preparation for the 
relief of the Zone of Resistance, the Commanding General, 157th Inf. Brigade, will march his troops 
on the night of 6/7 October, as follows: 

310th Infantry and 310th and 311th Machine-gun Battalions (luiits designated) from the vicinity 
of Rupt-ex-Woevre to the area indicated on the accompanying map in the Bois de St. Remy. The 
troops will remain there under co^-er during the day of 7th October 1918. 

313th Infantr} — from the vicinity of Genicourt to the area in the woods west of Mouilly in- 
dicated on the accompanying map. The troops will remain there imder cover during the day of 7th 
October 1918. 

(c). The Commanding General, 157th Inf. Brigade, will cause the followmg officers to report for 
reconnaissance at 9h, 6th October 1918, at the positions indicated to him verbally by the Chief 
of Staff, 2Cth Division, on the afternoon of October 5th at the P. C. 26th Division: Regimental com- 
mandrrs. and Commanding Officer. Sllth Machine gun Battalion, one officer and one non-commis- 



APPENDIX Y— FIELD ORDERS 483 

soiled iifficer from each eom])a!iy of the 313th and 316th Infantry Rejjlmonts anil 310th and 311th 
Macliino-gun BattaUons (units designated). 

(dl. Each man will carrv '2'JO rounds of ammunition and one day's reserve rations. Canteens 
will be filled before starting. Each maehing-gun will he sup[)lied with at least 3,()()() rounds of ammu- 
nition, and each automatic riHe with 1,000 rounds of ammunition. 

(e). The Division Signal Officer will consult with the Signal Officer, 'itith Division, and will re- 
Wove the signal personnel of tlie 26th Division on the night of 7/8 October. He will take steps to assure 
telephonic control of the entire sector from the Brigade P. C. 

(f). The 158th Infantry Brigade will remain in their present billets pending further instructions. 
4. Administrative orders will be issued later. 

a. P. C. 157 Infantry Hrigafle will close at Gemcouht at l'2h, 7tli October, and will open at the 
same date and hour at Moiim.y. 

P. C. 7!)lli Division will close at Tiiiu.oMuot.s at 8h, 8tlj October, and will oi)en at the same date 
and hour at 'I'lioYov-siit-MKusE. 

By command of Major (ieneral Kuhn; 
Tewet Boss 
Colonel, General Staff. 
Chief of Staff. 

Secuet 

Not to l)e taken forward Ileadfjuarters, 7yth Divisiim, 
of Hegiment P. ("s in tlie line 27th October 1018. 

Field Orders: 1611 

X.I. 28: 

{II). The 2i)lh Division (T. S.) now- holds the Sector Gh.v.vde Mont.\gxe which is to the east 
of the Meuse, and N. E. of BR.\B.\NT-snn-MEUsE. The front is approximately cm the line 24.0- 
83.0 to 27.8-81.9 (See attached map). The 58th Inf. Brig, holds the subsector Blue (left); the 57th 
Inf. Brig, holds the subsector Gbay (right). 

(b). For information concerning the enemy, .see Ci-2 Memorandum No. 2, to be i.ssued. 

2 (a). In Compliance with G. O. No. 842, Ilq. 17th Army Corps (French) October 26th, the 
7S)tli Division will relieve the 2()th Division during the nights 28/2!) and 2!)/30 October 1918. 

(b). Orders will issue later for the relief of the 26th Division in that portion of its sector north 
of the line Havine de ( Viassinvaux — Bois de Moihey by the 157th Infantry Brigade. 

3 (a). Movements aecording to table "A" appended hereto. Detailed instructions regarding 
reliefs, guides, movements, reconnaissances, and similar matters w ithin the sector, are to govern as 
received from the Commanding General, 29th Division. 

(b). Reconnaissance parties will report to 29th Division P C. at Vaciieraxhille, and are to 
be directed from there Reconnaissances will be made as follows: 

October 28th: by Commanding General, 79th Division and portion of his staff, one officer to 
remain at P. C. A'achekaivii.le from the 28th; by the C. O. 158th Inf. Brig., C. O. 316th Inf., and 
C. O. of each battalion and eompany thereof, and by C. O. 312lh M. G. Bn. and each company thereof. 
Necessary assistants may be taken. 

October 29th: by Commanding General, 79th Division and a portion of his staff; C. O. 315th 
Inf. and C. O. of each battalion and company thereof, with necessary assistants. 

(e). The 52nd P. A. Brig, will relieve the artillery of the 29th Division by 1/2 battery during 
each night 28/29 and 29/30, and will replace number for number. The artillery missions will re- 
main unchanged. Detailed orders are to be issued by the C. O. 17th Corps Artillery, (French). 

(d). The 304th Regt. Engrs. will relieve the engineer regiment of the 29th Division in the present 
dispositions and missions of the latter. The relief will be carried out during the nights 28/29 and 29/30 
and will be completed by morning of the 30th. 

(e). The 304th Bn. Sig. will relieve the signal battalion of the 29th Division and will take over 
the missions and dispositions vacated by the latter. 

4 (a). See G-I Administrative Order. 

(b). The following routes will be used in the rear zone of the army corps; 



484 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Road Glohieux (27.0-64.7) — H.\ud.\inville (31.5-61.2) by the Cote St Bahtholemy (27.3- 
04.6)— La Chausser Bridge (28.0-63.8) and the Bevaux Barracks (29.3-63.3). 

Road Fromereville — Haudainville, via Regret (25.5-63.5) Hill 232 (27.0-62.3) Bblleray. 
Road Baleycourt (23.0-62.3) — Dugny, using the road marked on the staff map (hachured) 
and reproduction.s by only a black line, which traverses Bois La Ville from Baleycourt to Fort De 
Landrecourt, thence to Fort Dugny. 

The Guarded road Verdun — Bar-le-Duc is reserved to niL.tor traffic only between Moulin 
Brule (22.0-61.0) and Bar-m-Duc. 

(c). All movement will he carried out by road and bj' night. However, should the weather be 
misty or cloudy, the Generals commanding the Divisions may authorize their troops to move by day 
south of the line Cote de Loie (21.5-74.5) Cote de Talou (26.0-73.0). In any case the marches 
should be completed by 9h. at the latest and the prescribed precautions will be observed to prevent 
airplane and balloon observation both on the march and around shelters. 

(d). All cantonments, stationing points and routes will be reconnoitered in advance; the necessary 
guides in sector will be furnished by the 29th Division. The closest stationing possible is necessary 
for all units. Troops which cannot be billeted should camp out in the neighboring woods. 
5. A.xis of liaison to be announced later. 
P. C's 79th Division (See table "A"). 

P. C's 29th Division H. Q. Guynemer (at Vacherauville). 
57th Inf. Brig. 26.0-76.7 
3 
1 
9 
4 
5 

Joseph E. Kihx, 
Maior General. I . S. .\. 



58th Inf. 


Brig. 


24.6-79 


113th Inf. 




24.8-77. 


114th Inf. 




26.5-77 


115th Inf. 




24.9-81, 


116th Inf. 




25.0-Sl 



Distribution; 



1 Army 

17th Corps (French) G-1 Rep. at Railhead 

C. G. 79th Div. M. T. O. 

Chief of Staff 313th Inf. 

G-1 314th Inf. 

G-2 315th Inf. 

G-3 316th Inf. 

Div. Engr. Off. 102 T. M. B. 

Div. Gas. Off. 310 M. G. Bn. 

Div. Sig. Off. 311 M. G. Bn. 

Div. Surg. 312 M. G. Bn. 

Div. Ord. Off. 304 Hq. Tn. & M. P. 

Di\-. Vet. 304 San. Train 

Hq. Troops 304 Suppl.x' Train 

157 Inf. Brig. 304 Engr. Train 

158th Brig. 304 Engrs. 

52nd F. .\. Brig. French Mission 

104 F. A. War Diary 

105 F. A. 304 F. S. Bn. 

106 F. A. File 
.\djutant 

Statistical Officer 
Div. Q. M. 
Judge Advocate 



APPENDIX V— FIELD ORDERS 485 

11 C. A. C. Headquarters, 10th November 1918. 

Hdqrs, 3rd Bureau 
Mo. 130 0/3 

Order of Operations No. 42 

1. .\ccording to the information reocived at 17H., the line reached by the 11 Colonial .\rmy 
Corps was approximately as follows: 

loth D. 1. C. F.—'So precise informatiim. 

79th D. I. U. S. — Eastern bank of Tiiiente, and Eastern slopes of Hill 324, (1 km. to the north 

of CiiAUMONT dcvant — Damvillers) . 
SGih D. N. U. S. — Northern and eastern edge of Leconte Woodbois de \'ille: AVestern border 

of Hehbebois. 
10th D. I. C. F. — AVcst of the Grand Chexats Wood — Western border of Diephe — .\ba0court, 

(Inclusive), northern edge of Grand Coghon Wood. 
Slst D. I. U. .S.— Petite Cochon Wood — Grimaucouht, (inclusive), southwestern border of 

the Le Fatel and Manheullers Woods — Chateau of Hannon Celles 

.AuLNNORS Farm. 
To our right, the 33rd D. I. V. S. has taken Marshvili.e. 

2. The First .\meriian .\rmy continues to exercise its pressure on the enemy on the whole 
front. Thix Army nnist follmr rupidtij any retirement on the part of the enemy. The far objective of 
the H Colonial .\rmy Corps remains the general line: Spincourt-Etain Wabco Road and the wooded 
region to the west of Gissainville, (Inclusive). 

3. Tomorrow, November 11th, the 13th D. I. C. F. will continue its progression, seeking in parti- 
cular to outflank, by the north, the region of the D.vNnLLERS and Merles Woods. (Liaison with 
the 32nd D. I. U. S ) 

The 79th D. 1. U. S. w 11 continue its pressure from the front and must be ready to exploit vigor- 
ously in the direction of Az.AaVNES the results o' the special attack conducted by the 2()th Division 
in the region of Ornes. 

The 2Gth D I. U. S. at tlic hour of tlic morning, (1) which will be fixed by its chief, will proceed 
with the support of the artillery of the 11 C. A. C , with a complete attack, having as goal: (1) to 
finish the conquest of the Cap of UnnNESPEHANCE of Herbeois and Axrierrs. (2) to take the 
JuMELLES D 'Ornes. 

The loth D. I. C. F. will continue its progression in its zone. 

The 81st D. I. U. S will continue to progress, bearing its principle effort on the uncovered ground 
on its left and on its right in liaison with the 10th D. I. D. V., and the 33rd D. I. U. S. 

4. The actions will be begun as much as possible on the whole front at the first hour, (exception 
made, if necessary, for the 26th D. I. U. S ) 

5. The General commanding the art llcry of the II C. A. C will subordinate in a certain measure 
the artillery supports asked by the Division, to the one to be furnished for the attack of the 26th 
Division. 

6. The southern limit of the 11 C. A. C. is defined as follows: .\ccording to the order of the 1 
American Army: Fre.snes en Woevre, (to the II U. S. Army), Paefondrupt, (to the 11 C. A. C. 
F.), Thumere Ville, (to the 11 C. A. C. F.), Lente Fontaine, (to the 11 A. U. S.). 

7. P. C. of 11 C. A. C. ■) 

P. C. of III A. U. S. [■ No Change 
P. C. of the Divisions. ) 

The General commanding the II C. A. C. 
(1). The H of the beginning of the attack of the infantry of the 26th D. I. U. S. will be made 
known as soon as possible to the Commanding General of the II C. A. C, who will communicate it 
to the other divisions. 



APPENDIX VI 

TRANSLATION OF THE CAPTURED GERMAN FIELD ORDER No. 3- 

37th INFANTRY DIVISION, GIVING IN DETAIL THE ENEMY 

PLAN OF DEFENCE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE 

MONTFAUCON SECTOR 



Division P. C. Qn.— 1!) August 1918. 



No. .3 

37 Infantry Division 

SECRET 



Division Order. 



1. The defense of tlie Falkcnberg Sector will be conducted in accordance with the principles laid 
down by General Headquarters in I a Xo. 9635, secret, dated 8 August, 1918. 

2. For the new main line of resistance of the battle zone, the lines of resistance of the foreground 
and positions of the protecting artillery, see map. 

3. The present sector limits are unchanged. 

4. The displacement of the main line of resistance necessitates the following changes: 

I. New Dispositions of the Infantry and Machine Guns in the FoREGRorxD and 

Battle Zone. 

A. INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONDUCT OF FIGHTING AND TROOP DISPOSITIONS IN THE 
FOREGROUND AND BATTLE ZONE. 

1. The foreground must be considered as an outpost position to be defended tenaciously and stub- 
bornly by the troops disposed in depth therein, until the rest battalions and intermediate garrisons can 
reach the Ijattle zone and the protecting artillery positions. Centers of resistance in the lines of re- 
sistance of the foreground, in the intervening terrain and at the P.C.s of advance troop commanders, 
consisting of infantrj', machine guns, light mortars and single guns must dissipate the effect of the 
hostile artillery and absorb the power of the enemey's attack. Mutual flank and rear support by fire 
is important as well as wiring in the centers of resistance individually and to one another. Provide 
for possible withdrawal to the side and rear! 

The foreground must be held against small local undertakings of the enemy (Patrol activities with- 
out strong artillery preparation). In case of largeraffairs with strong artillery preparation and in grand 
attacks, the garrison of the foreground falls back fighting liehind the main line of resistance under 
direction of the regimental commander. The plan for this must be adapted to local conditions and 
must be reduced to writing, clearly and briefly. These directions must be verified by visits to the 
positions and by conferences. In case the enemy does not follow up, the outposts must be pushed up 
again close to the enemy. Any enemy forces that may have taken position in the foreground must be 
evicted by counter-attack, otherwise we will lose the possibility of maintaining observation over him. 

The strength of the foreground garrison is determined by the terrain. In the densely covered 
terrain of Sector \V.\LD the garrison within the foreground must be drawn together towards the forward 
edge. With a more open disposition there exists here the danger of the individual centers being en- 
veloped without the possibility of defense. Due to open terrain and a more open disposition is possible- 
in the Sector QUELLE and still more so in the Sector STRASSE. The employment of single sentries 
in the foreground must be discarded. Double sentries or, where possible, picket posts, give the in- 
dividual man a much stronger confidence and prevent him from falling back before every little hostile- 
patrol. 

(486) 



APPENDIX M— GERMAN FIELD ORDER NO 3 487 

Bullet proof shelters for tlie foreground garrison only in rear of the first line of resistance. Such 
as yet remain within or to the front of this line must be demolished. 

2. THE MAIS FORCES OF THE COMBAT BATTALIOX MUST BE POSTED WITHIN 
AND BEHIND THE NEW MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE. Heie also mutual support of the 
individual elements of the garrison must be mutually assured, as also bullet proof shelters only within 
and in rear of the second line of resistance! Moving forward of the present rest companies behind the 
protecting artillery positions is to be considered. 

3. For the purpose of liaison there will be posted: 

On the right Hank, for liaison with Argonne Group; during quiet periods, 1 Company; 
during periods of increased readiness, 2 companies and 1 platoon of field guns of a rest battery, 
which, in this case, are to be provided to the Sector Commander by the Artillery Commander, 
(see paragi'aph V. C.) 

On the left flank, for liaison with the Sector Forces: 1 Comijany. Mission of Liaison 
commands is to secure a combat connection at the Division limits by independent action. To 
this end the closest communication must be ceaselessly maintained with the advanced troop 
commanders of the regiments on either side of the line of liaison. Exact determination of 
their positions and clear combat orders! 

II. New Ougamzatiox of the Intermediate Tedrain. 
The intermediate terrain extcntls from the rear edge of the battle zone (therefore from the Hagen 
position) to the Etzel position (exclusive). 

For strengthening the defense there are at the disposal of the ".'Jrd Infantry Brigade: 

1 Machine Gun Company Reutlingen (to be placed in the Hagen position as security garrison) 
3rd Pioneer Battalion No. '26 
Pioneer Company No. 250 
Landsturm Battalion Kiel 
Machine guns of the .Vrtillcry 
3 orderly companies (for composition see below) 
A thorough organization of this defen.se is necessary especially with respect to suitable location, 
alarm readiness and equipment of fighting material. 

A so-called orderly company will be organized by the 73rd Infantry Brigade in each sector for 
strikers, clerks, orderlies, depot an<l kitchen personel, which is to be assigne<l in the intermediate terrain 
as an emergency garrison. These companies will be instructed by exercise in their combat missions. 
Ammimition, material for close fighting and iron rations are to be held in readiness at alarm assembly 
places of the companies. The tactical location of the artillery machine guns will be regulated b\' the 
73rd Infantry Bi-igade in agreement with the artillery conmiander. 

III. Reserves. 
The rest Ijattalions will be i)ushed toward the battle zone on occasions of increased readiness and 
disposed in depth in rear in readiness for defense. 

IV. New Organization of the Mortars. 

These likewise must be disposed of in great depth, thinly in the foreground with the mass in the 
battle zone. Concentration of mortar gi'oups and location of these at the probable points of hot 
fighting and parts of the position not reached by the artillery is requisite for successful effect. 
Their location is regulated by: 

the 73 Infantry brigade in agreement with the artillery commander and the Engineer com- 
mander for the light mortars. The Engineer commander in agreement with the 73 infantry 
brigade and artillery commander for the medium and heavj- mortars. 

V. New Oroaxization of the Artillery. 

a. Regrouping of the Artillery. 
1. Echeloning in depth is especially important here. In the foreground only 4 guns will be left 
for tank defense and sweeping ravines at short range. Closing the Malancourt swale to tanks and flank 
ing effect in front or the probable hot points of fighting on the main line of resistance are important 



488 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

The remaining artillery will be posted, stronglj' echeloned in depth, in rear of the protecting ar- 
tillery position, in such manner that on occasion of an attack it can engage the ad\anced artillery of the 
enemy, bring annihilating fire to bear upon the foreground in front or the main line of resistance and, 
especially bring effective fire on any of the enemy who may have broken through. (Consideration 
to be given to shortest range, close observation for each battery!) Rear limit of the artillery position: 
Line Epinonville — North edge Bois de Beuge — north edge Bois de Brievlles. The positions in the 
rear part of the zone will be assigned to the Divisional Artillery at rest and to the expected artillery 
reinforcements (3 field gun batteries, 3 light field howitzer batteries, 2 hea\-\' field batteries, 1-10 cm. 
battery). 

A few of the heavy flat trajectory batteries, not horse drawn, will ))e left close behind the protecting 
artillery position in order to utilize their long range. The remainder \\ill l)e placed as far to the rear 
as possible. 

2. During the momentary quiet conditions platoons or single guns (working guns) will be pushed 
forward to beyond the main line of resistance on special missions (engaging the enem\"s artillery lying 
far to the rear, disturbing fire against important installations, etc.). In order to avoid loss of material 
and to create the impression of a strong front line artillery, frequent changes or position of these guns 
are emphatically ordered. 

In a general engagement the artillery detachments in front or tlie protecting artilleiy position 
will be withdrawn behind the latter with ex'ception of the gims assigned for firing at short ranges and 
several light and heavy guns which are assigned to support the foreground with good close obser\ation. 

3. In selecting the new positions the following principles govern: 
Good close observation 

Shortest possible firing range 

Wide field of fire (up to 180 degrees) 

Cover against aerial observation in the construction of the position. 

4. In case of an impending general engagement and when we have not succeeded in decisively 
breaking up the hostile preparations, we must withdraw our artillery insofar as a support of our own 
infantry renders possible. A second artillery echelon must be organized which Cfiraes into action first 
on the entry of the enemy in the battle zone. In selecting positions ft)r this, close obser\ation for the 
batteries, a wide field of fire and cover from view must be kept in mind. Measures must be worketl up 
before hand for carrying this out following the army order for withdrawal into the main battle position 
of the artillery. 

The co-ordinates of all rear positions must be determined and entered in target books. For each 
position two complete battery plans will be filed in the Division map rooms. To enable better track 
to be kept of the artillery position on the defense plan, all artillery positions of the Falkerberg sector 
will be numbered serially as follows: 

Position for flat trajectory fire No. 1-100 

Position tor light field howitzers No. 100-200 

Position for high angle fire No. 200-300 

5. TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION 
The question of transmitting information in the wooded terrain where observation is poor must 
be worked out thoroughly. I will personally test the measures taken (Blinkers, field telephone, ground 
wireless, wig wag.). 

6. AMMUNITION SUPPLY OF REAR POSITIONS. 

a. Of the rear positions only those contemplated for the rest batteries and for the withdrawal 
artillery (see V. a. 2) will be supplied with ammunition which will be administered by their batteries. 
Only so much ammunition as required for the accomplishment of the missions will be issued to the 
advanced positions. 

b. NEW REGULATIONS OF THE ARTILLERY DEFENSE (to be worked out in ad\ance and to 

become effective on orders) 

The artillery defense will be changed in accordance with the instructions of General Headquarters; 
Barrage fire is abandoned and replaced by annihilating fire delivered when possible with observation. 
Two kinds of fire are to be noted: 



APPENDIX VI— GERMAN FIELD ORDER NO. 3 489 

1. Short and strong fire bursts of all available batteries (excepting those intended fur fire at 
short ranges) against the terrain of the hostile approach march and artillery. 

2. Annihilating fire in front of the lines of resistance in the foreground (to be delivered as far 
as possible with observation). 

For batteries without direct observations their will be assigned annihilating areas or targets 
which may be assumed with reasonable certainty (reserves in readiness, roads of advance, etc.). 

3. Annihilating fire in front or the battle zone. To be carried out as in b. Annihilating fire will 
be delivered as heretofore on visual signals. Only Company and advanced troops commanders are 
authorized to call for it. 

c. INSTRUCTION FOR THE REST BATTERIES. 

Two field Ijatteries, one heavy horsed battery and, alternating with the 115t]i Infantry Di\ision, 
one unhorsed heavy liattery will always be detached for 10 days rest, as also one battalion staff whose 
periods of rest are regulated by the artillery commander. To each of the rest battalions is assigned one 
platoon of field batteries at rest which, in case of increased readiness or alarm, joins its battalion as an 
accompanying platoon without further orders. The battalions will be informed of the relief of platoons 
by the artillery commander. Platoon leaders are reminded of their required reports to their battalions. 

Tlic unliorsed heavy rest liattery «ill be emplaced with its guns in the previously provided rear 
position for a general engagement. Timely occupation of the position by the personel must l>e a^simied. 

Additional instructions to be pro\idcd by the Artillery commander. 

VI. Battle P. C.s. 

1. Division and artillery commander's P.C. in case battle conditions arise is Porla-Lager (present 
brigade P.C.) 

2. For the 73rd Infantry Brigade, P.C. at north east corner Bois de Benge is assigned. In case 
of battle conditions the commanflcr of the long range guns takes station here. 

3. In sector STRASSE, a P.C. will be ha.stily built and occupied near Montfaucon but outside 
tlie fire zone on this spot. Reliable communication with subordinate group STRASSE must be secured. 

4. The P.C.s of the ad\anced troop commanders will all be withdrawn behind the 2nd line of 
resistance of the Ijattle zone. However, in the wooded terrain of Sectors WALD and QUELLE, ad- 
vanced trot>p commanders will remain in their present P.C.s for conduct of the foreground fighting and 
imtil evacuation of the foreground and not till then will they withdraw to the P.C.s in rear. 

5. P.C.s for the reinforcing artillery must be determined immediately. 

VII. New Regulations fou Construction of Positions. 
Responsibility for construction of the new position system: 

a. For foreground and battle zone: 73rd Infantry Brigade. Available are the combat battalions. 

b. For the intermediate terrain and the Etzel position: Commander of the Pionerrs. Available 
are; 

Pioneer company No. 250, 
3rd Battalion Pioneers No. 26, 
Landstrum Battalion Kiel, 
1 machine gun company Reutlingen 

4th Company labot battalion No. 148 (less detachments engaged in other work). 
The artillery commander is responsible for the construction of the machine gun nests of the artillery 
after these have been determined. 

c. The forces of the commander of Pioneers still engaged in the WIESENSCHLENKEN position 
will remain until they have completed their work here, insofar as these works are not taken over by the 
combat battalions. Their further employment after completion of works in the intermediate terrain 
will be regulated by the commander of Pioneers. 

VIII. Limiting Dates. 
The execution of the measures herein ordered will commence AT ONCE. 
There will be submitted: by the 73rd Infantry Brigade on Aug. 26 at 10:00 A.M. 
1. Map 1:25000 containing: 



490 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Occupation of the foreground (pickets, posts, centers of resistance, strong points). 
Shelter and supply of preparedness troops, liaison commands, reserves as well as dispositions 
for mortars and machine guns during QUIET CONDITIONS. 

2. On Sketch will be indicated: 
Infantry disposition. 

Employment of garrison for intermediate terrain, changes with respect to P.C.s, mortars and 
machine guns during increased readiness. 

3. Construction program for works still to be carried out. 

BY THE ARTILLERY COMMANDER on Aug. 2.5 at lUiOO XM. Map 1 :2.5000 containing: 

1. Disposition of the present divisional artillery. 

Positions contemplated for the rest batteries. 
Positions contemplated for the reinforcing artillery. 

2. A sketch showing planned movements upon ordered retirement of the artillery. 

3. Construction program for works remaining to be carried out. 
BY THE COMMANDER OF PIONEERS on Aug. 26 at 10:00 A.M. 

Map 1: 25000 containing: 

Disposition of the medium and heavy mortars. 

Construction programme for works still to be carried out. 

I.A.d.D.K. 

FREIHERR GROTK 

Colonel. 
DISTRIBUTION. 

73rd Infantry Brigade 18 (including company commander Kursus) 
Artillery commander 12 
Commander of Pioneers 4 
Division Konach 3 

Sanitary Company 1 

3rd Battalion Jager No. 10-1 
Landstrum Battalion Kiel 1 

2nd Machine gune company Rethingen 2 
4th Company labor battalion No. 184 1 
1 15th infantry division 1 

201st infantry division 1 

Neuse Group, W'est 1 

Division 14 

60 



APPENDIX VII 

SOURCE OR REFERENCE NOTES 

CHAPTER I 

NOTES 

1. Bassett's "Our ^Val• ^Yith Germany," p. 117. 

2. War Department General Order No. 73, ,\ugust 7, 1018. 

3. Booklet "Over Here Preparing for Over There at Camp Meade." 

4. Benedict's "A History of the Great War," Vol. 1; p. 297. 

5. Bassett's "Our War With Germany," p. 119. 

6. Benedict's "A History of the Great War," Vol. 1; p. 299. 

7. Philadelphia North .\mcrican, May 11, 1917. 

8. "History of the 304th Engineers." p. 4-7 and W. D., S. O., No. 1S6, August 11, 1917. 

9. Requin's ".America's Race to Victory," p. S4-o5. 

10. Report of the Provost Marshal General on the First Draft, p]). 73, llj, 140-142 

11. Report of the Provo.st Marshal General on the First Draft, p. 141. 

12. Report of the Provost Marshal General on the First Draft, p. 2G. 

13. Philadelphia Public Ledger, September 10, 1917. 

14. Philadelphia Inquirer, September 2, 1917. 

15. Philadelphia Record, September 11, 1917. 

16. Pennsylvania Draft Records, Adjutant General's Department, Harrisburg, Pa. 

17. Pennsylvania Draft Records, .Adjutant General's Department, Harrisburg, Pa. 

18. Report of the Pro\ost Marshal General on the First Draft, p. 27. 

19. Philadelphia Press, September 27, 1917. 

20. Philadelphia Public Ledger, Noveudier 5, 1917. 

21. Philadelphia Inquirer, October 12, 1917. 

22. "The 315th Infantry U. S. A.," p. 24. 

23. Philadelphia Press, October 13, 1917. 

24. Philadelphia Record, October 17, 1917. 

25. Philadelphia North American, October 28, 1917. 

26. Philadelphia Public Ledger, November 4, 1917. 

27. General Order No. 29, 79th Division, Paragraph 16. 

28. Philadelphia Press November 12. 1917. 

29. Philadelphia North American, December 2, 1917 
30 Philadelphia Public Ledger, December 14, 1917. 

31. "The 315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 28. 

32. Philadelphia Inquirer. December 29, 1917. 

33. Philadelphia Record, May 17, 1918. 

34. "The 315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 27. 

35. Philadelphia Public Ledger, May 2. 1918. 

36. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 17. 

37. Philadelphia Inquirer, May 4, 1918. 

38. Philadelphia Public Ledger, May 25, 1918 
89 Philadelphia Record, June 1, 1918. 

40. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 14. 

41. Philadelphia Public Ledger, June 22, 1918. 

42. "The 315th Infantry, U. S. A.,"p. 33; "Regimental History of the 316th Infantiy," p. 18: "History 

of the 304th Engineers," p. 42. 

(491) 



492 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

CHAPTER II 

NOTES 

1 McPherson's "A Short History of the Great War," p. 327. 

2. Requin's "America's Race to Victory," p. 174-175. 

3. Requin's "America's Race to Victory," p. 138. 

i. Journal of the United States Artillery, May, 1920. 

5. "The 31.5th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 34. 

6. Manuscript history of the 310th Field Artillery, p. 25 

7. "Headquarters Troop, Seventy-ninth Division," p. 10. 

8. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 45. 

9. Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, 1919, p. 25. 

10. Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; folio. Miscellaneous Material, Vol. 1. 

11. Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; folio. Miscellaneous Material, Vol. 11. 

12. "Headquarters Troop, Seventy-ninth Division," p. 12. 

13. "Regimental History of the 310th Infantry," p. 10. 

14. "315th Infantry, U. S. A." p. 35. 

15. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 48. 

16. "The 315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 36. 

17. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 21. 

18. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 50-51. 

19. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 55. 

20. Manuscript history of the 310th Field Artillery, p. 43. 

21. Narrative of Second Lieutenant C. P. MacArthur, 311th F. A., U. S. A. 

22. Manuscript medical history of the Seventy-ninth Division p. 6. 

23. General Order No. 29, 79th Division, Para. 16. 

24. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 25. 

25. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 26. 

26. "The 315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 39. 

27. "Action," history of the 310th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 27. 

28. Manuscript Medical history of the Seventy-ninth Division, p. 8. 

29. Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; folio, Summaries of Intelligence and lu- 

terrogation of Prisoners. 

30. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 27. 

31. Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; folio. Field Orders, 1918. 

CHAPTER III 

NOTES 

1. Special Order No. 160, Headquarters, First Army, A. E. F., France. G. 2. 

2. Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; folio. Field Orders, 1918. 

3. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 27. 

4. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 62. 

5. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 28. 

6. Special Order No. 170, Headquarters, First Army, A. E. F., France, G. 2. 

7. Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; folio, Army and Corps Orders. 

8. Field Order No. 2, 79th Division: For full text see appendix. 

9. "Headquarters Troop, 79th Division," p. 31. 

10. Special Order No. 184, Headquarters, First .4rmy, A. E. F., France, G. 2. 

11. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 45-46. 

12. Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; folio. Summaries of Intelligence and In- 

terrogation of Prisoners. 

13. "General Remarks on the Sector Ville sur Tourbe to Meuse," G. 3. 5th Army Corps; Historical 

Files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; folio. Miscellaneous Material, Vol. II. 



APPENDIX VII— SOURCE OR REFERENCE NOTES 493 

14. "315tli Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 47. 

15. General Order Xo. 29„ 79th Division, Paragraph 4. 

16. Manuscript, "Medical History, 79th Division," p. 11. 

17. General Order No. 29, 79tli Division, Paragraph 2. 

18. "History of Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion," p. 30. 

19. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 64. 

80. Final Report of General John J. Pershing, p. 43. 

21. Final Report of General John J. Pershing, p. 41. 

ii. Historical Files, Seventj-ninth Division Association; folio. Miscellaneous Material, \o\. II. 

23. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p 32-33. 

24. General Order Xo. 29, 79th Division, Paragraph 6. 

i5. Field Order X'o. 0, 79th Division: for full text see appendix. 

CHAPTER IV 

NOTES 

1. Maurice's "The Last Four Months," p. 125. 

2. McPherson's "A Short Hi.story of the Great War," j). 349. 

3. Maurice's "The Last Four Months," p. 141-142. 

4. Final Report of General John J. Pershing, ]). 44. 

5. Maurice's "The Last Four Months," p. 143. 

6. Final Report of General John J. Pershing, p. 46. 

7. Monograph No. 4, "A Study in Trooj) Frontage, " Historical Branch, War Plans Division, General 

Staff, p. 13. 

8. G-1 Order, 79th Division, Annex to Field Order No. 31, V Corps, Historical tiles .Seventy-ninth 

Division .Association, folio, "Field Orders, 1918." 

9. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 3. 

10. "History of the 313th Infantry." p. 27. 

11. Report of Operations, 314th Infantry, p. 1. 

12. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 4. 

13. "Regimental History of the 310th Infantry," p. 36 

14. Report of 0])erations, 79th Division, p. 2. 

15. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 51. 

16. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 33. 

17. Report of Operations, 312th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 1. 

18. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 76-77. 

19. " Headtiuarters Troop, 79th Division," p. 16. 

20. Report of Operations, 79lh Division, ]>. 8. 

21. Report of Operations, 304th Supply Train, p. 1. 

22. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 9. 

23. Field Order No. 6, 79th Division; Historiral Files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; folio, 

"Field Orders, 1918." 

24. Monograph No. 1, "A Survey of German Tactics, 1918," Historical Branch, W^ar Plans Division, 

General Staff. 

25. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 29. 

26. Personal statement of Captain Joseph N. DiilJariy, Operations Officer, 313th Infantry. 

27. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 30. 

28. General Order No. 29, 79th Division, Paragrai)h 2, (1919). 

29. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 5. 

30. Report of Operations, 79th Di\-ision, p. 6. 

31. Report of Operations, 314th Infantry, p. 2. 

32. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 3. 

33. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 12. 

34. Report of Operations, 311th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 1. 

35. Awarded Distinguished Service Cross — see text in Appendix. 



494 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

36. General Order No. 2!), 1919. 79th Division, Paragraph 15. 

37. "Hi.story of the 313th Infantry," p. 31. 

38. "31,5th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 54. 

39. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 55. 

40. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 4. 

41. Report of Ojjerations, 312th Maehine Gun Battalion, p. 1. 

42. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 5. 

43 General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division. Paragraph 16. 

44. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 7. 

45. Historieal Files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; folio, "Field Messages, Montfaucon Sector." 
40. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 82. 

47. General Order No 2!), 1919, 79th Division. Paragraphs 1 & 17. 

48. Manuscript "Medical Ilistorj- of the Seventy-ninth Division, p. 12. 

49. Manuscript "Medical History of the Seventy-ninth Division, p. 13. 

50. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 10. 

51. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 11. 

52. Intelligence Summary, No. 13, 79th Division; Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; 

folio, "Summaries of Intelligence and Interrogation of Prisoners." 

53. Intelligence Summary No. 14, 79th Division; Historical Files. Seventy-ninth Division Association; 

folio, "Summaries of Intelligence and Interrogation of Prisoners." 

54. Report of Operations, 79th Division p. 4. 

53. Field Message Book, Colonel J. Frank Barber; Historical Files. Seventy-ninth Division Association. 

56. "History of 304th Engineers," p. 84. 

57. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 15 

58. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 14. 

59. "History of Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion," p. 137. 

60. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 13. 
61 "31.5th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 61. 

62. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry " p. 39 

63. "The Air Service at the Meuse-Argonne, " World's Work, September 1919, p. 558, 

64. "Action," p. 36. 

65 General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division. Paragraph 11. 

66. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 32, 

67. Report of Operation, 79th Division, p. 16 

68. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 33, 

69. " The Tactical Aspect of the Organization of Montfaucon, ' report, " 304th Engineer fhistory of) " 

Appendix C 

70 "Headquarters Troop, Seventy-ninth Division," p. 31. 

CHAPTER V 

NOTES 

1. Palmer's "Our Greatest Battle," p. 64. 

2. Palmer's "Our Greatest Battle," p. 67. 

3. Field Order No. 6, 79th Division; Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division -\ssociation; folio, 

"Field Orders, 1918." 

4. Palmer's "Our Greatest Battle," p 215. 

5. Final Report of General John .1. Pershing, p, 46. 

6. Report of Operations. 79th Division, p. 17. 

7. Field Order No. 8, 79th Division; Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division .\ssot'iation; folio. 

"Field Orders, 1918." 

8. "Hi.story of the 313th Infantry." p, S5. 

9. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 39. 

10, Report of Operations, 314th Infantry, p. 2, 

11, "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 40. 



APPENDIX All— SOURCE OR REFERENCE NOTES 495 

12. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 67. 

13. "315tli Infantry, U. S. A., " p. 188. 

H. Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; folio, "Field Messages, Montfaucon Offensive." 

15. General Order No. 29, 79th Division, 1919, Paragraph 4. 

16. "315th Infantry U. S. A.," p. 71. 
17 "31Sth Infantry V. S. A.," p. 69. 

18. General Order No. 29, 79th Division, 1919, Paragraph 5. 

19. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 41. 

20. Report of Operations, 312th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 1. 
21 Report of Operations 312th Machine Gun Battalion, P. 2 
22. General Order No. 29, 79th Division, 1919, Paragraph 13. 

23 Awarded Distingui.shcd Service Cross; see text in Appendix. 

24. Manuscript diary of Sergeant Edward A. Davies, Co. B, 315th Inf. 

25. General Order No. 29, 79th Division, 1919, Paragraph 3. 

26. Given G. H. Q. Citation; see text in Appendix. 

27. General Order No. 29, 79th Division, 1919, Paragraph 2. 

28. General Order No. 29, 79th Division, 1919, Paragraph 12. 

29. Report of Operations, 311th Machine Gun Battalion, P. 1. 

30. "Action," p. 36. 

31. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 18. 

32. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 84-85. 

33. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 19. 

34. Manuscript Medical Hi.story of the 79th Division, p. 13. 

35. Summary of Intelligence No. 14, 79th Division; Historical files Seventy-ninth Division .\ssocia- 

tion; folio. "Summaries of Intelligence and Interrogation of Prisoners." 

36. Report of Operations, 79th Divi.sion, p. 15. 

i(7 Field Order No. 46, V" Corps; Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; folio, ".\rmy 
and Corps Onlers.' 

38. I'"ield Order \o. 9, 79th Division; Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division .Association; folio, 
"Field Orders, 1918." 

39 Sunimarv of Intelligence No. 15, 79th Division; Historical files Seventy-ninth Division Associa- 
tion; folio. "Summaries of Intelligence and Interrogation of Prisoners." 

40. "315tli Infantry U. S. A." p. 73. 

41. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 254. 

42. "315th Infantry, U. S. A., " p. 277 

43. "315tli Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 306. 

44 "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 43. 

45. General Order No. 29, 79th Division, 1919, Paragraph 1. 

46. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 36. 
47 Report of Operations, 79th Di\ision, p. 20. 

48. Report of Opeiations, 314th Infantry, p. 3. 

49. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 86. 

50. General Order No. 29, 79th Division, 1919, Paragraph 17. 

51. "Hi.story of the 304th Engineers," p. 88. 

52. General Order No. 29, 79th Division, Paragraph 12. 

53. "3I5th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 335. 

54. General Order No. 29, 79th Division. 1919, Paragraph 10. 

55. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 21. 

56. "History of Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion," p. 41. 

57 Field Order No. 10, 79th Division; Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division As.sociation; folio, 
"Field Orders, 1918." 

58. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 22. 

59. 315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 74. 

60. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 90. 
<31. "Hi.story of the 304th Engineers." p. 96. 



496 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

62. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 100. 

63. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 23. 

64. Memo to Division Engineer Officer, October 1, 1918; Historical Files, 79th Division .Association; 

folio, "Miscellaneous Material, Vol H " 

65. General Older No. 29, 7!»th Division, 1919, Paragraph 9. 

66. General Order No. 29, 79tli Division, 1919, Paragraph 8. 

67. Ileport of Operations, 79th Division, p. 27. 

68. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 24. 

69. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 26. 

70. General Order No. 16, 1918, 79th Division; historical files, Seventy-ninth Division Association; 

folio, "General Orders, 1918." 
71 Statement of Capt. Thomas E. Orr, 316th Infantry M. G Co. 

CHAPTER VI 

NOTES 

1. I'ield Order No. 11 and Addendum, 79th Division; Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Division 

.Association: folio, "Field Orders, 1918." 
i. Report of Operations, 314th Infantry, p. 4. 

3. G-1 Order No. 13, 79th Division; Historical Files, Seventj-ninth Division Association; folio, 

"Orders, Vol. 1." 

4. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 45. 

5. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 38. 

6. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 75. 

7. Report of Operations, 312th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 2. 

8. Seventy-ninth Division, Headquarters Troop, p. 31. 

9 I'ield Order No. 12 and Memorandums, 79th Division; Historical Files, Seventy-ninth DivLs.on 
Association; folio, "Field Orders, 1918." 

10. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 46. 

11. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 47. 

12. Report of Operations, 311th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 2. 

13 "Action, " p. 39. 

14 "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 40 

15. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 12. 

16. Field Order No. 14. 79th Division (same folio as Note 1). 

17. Field Order No. 15, 79th Division (same as Note 1). 

18. G-1 Order No. 18, 79th Division (same folio as Note 3). 

19. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 103. 

20 Field Order No. 17, 79th Division (same folio as Note 1). 

21. Report of Operations, 314th Infantry, p. 6. 

22. Fiiuil Report of General John J. Pershing, p. 48. 

23. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 48. 

24. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th D vision, Paragraph 10 

25. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 2. 

26. Summary of Intelligence, October 16-17, 1918, 79th Division; Historical Files, Seventy-ninth 

Division .Association; folio, "Summaries of Intelligence and Interrogation of Prisoners." 

27. Field Order No. 22, 79th Division (same folio as Note 1). 

28. Field Order No. 23. 79th Di\ision (same folio as Note 1). 
i9. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 77. 

30. 

31. Summary oF Intelligence, October 18-19, 79th Division (same folio as Note 26). 

32. General Order No. 29, 79th Division. Paragraph 13. 

33. Summary of Intelligence, October 19-20, 79th Division (same folio as Note 26.) 

34. Summary of Intelligence, October 21-22, 79th Division (same folio as Note 26). 
85. Field Order No. 24, 79th Division (same folio as Note 1). 



APPENDIX VII— SOURCE OR REFERENCE NOTES 497 

so. Historical Files, Seventy-ninth Dixision Association; folio, "Field Messages, Troyon and Le 
Grande Montagne." 

37. "315th Infantry, U. S. A." p. 79. 

38. Field Order No. 2.5, 70th Division (same folio as Xotc 1). 
89. "Regimental History of the SlGth Infantry," p. 3i. 

40. General Order No. 29, 1919. 79th Division, Paragraph 5. 

41. Summary of Intelligence, October 22-23. 79th Division (same folio as Note 26.) 

42. "History of the 3i;5th Infantry," p. 42. 

43. Field Order No. 816, II C. A. C; Historical files. Seventy-ninth Division Association; folio. 

"Army and Corps Orders." 

44. Field Order No. 26, 79th Division (same folio as Note 1). 

45. G-1 Order No. 25, 79th Division (same folio as Note 3). 

46. Medical History of the Seventy-ninth Division, p. 14. 

47. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 114. 

48. Report of Operations. 314th Infantry, p. 7. 

49. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 80. 

50. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 55. 

51. Report of Operations, 312th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 3. 

52. "Action," p. 42. 

53. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 120. 

54. Report of Operations, 304th Supply Train, p. 1. 

55. "History of the 304th Ammunition Train," p. 100. 

50. "History of Company "C", 304th Field Signal Battalion," p. 70. 

57. Field Order No. 28, 79th Division (same folio as Note 1). 

CHAPTER VII 

NOTES 

1. "The Last Four Months," p. 189. 

2. "The Last Four Months," p. 188. 

3. "The Last Four Months." p. 194 

4. Final Report of General John J. Pershing, p. 44. 

5. "The Last Four Months," p. 196. 

6. Final Report of General John J. Persh ng. p. 49. 

7. Final Report of General John J. Pershing, p. 50. 

8. Final Report of General John J. Pershing, p. 47. 

9. Final Report of General John J. Pershing, p. 45. 

10. See Chapter IV, p. 

11. "Our Greatest Battle," p. 348. 

12. "Our Greatest Battle," p. 349. 

13. "Om- Greatest Battle," p. 553. 

14. "Our Greatest Battle," p. 351. 

15. "Our Greatest Battle," p. 350. 

16. 'Our Greatest Battle," p. 352. 

17. "Our Greatest Battle," p. 354. 

18. "Our Greatest Battle," p. 556. 

19. "Our Greatest Battle," p. 559. 
eO. "Our Geatest Battle," p. 562. 

81. "Our Greatest Battle," p. 567. 

82. Captured German battle maps, " Zusammendruck I and II," Maas-Ost. 

23. Field Order No. 28, 79th Division; Historical collection, 79th Division Association; folio, "Field 

Orders, 1918." 

24. Field Order No. 816 XVII Corps; historical collection, 79th Division Association; folio, "Army 

and Corps Orders." 

25. Memorandum No. 698 xl3, XVII Corps (same folio as Note 24). 



498 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

26. General Order No. 842, XVII Corps (same folio as note 24). 

27. Secret No. 738 sl3, XVII Corps (same folio as Note 24). 

28. No. 740 sl4. Secret, XVII Corps (same folio as Note 24). 
20. Field Order No. 30, 79th Division (same folio as Note 23). 

30. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 56. 

31. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 57. 

32. Report of Operations, 312th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 3. 

33. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 80. 

34. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 83-85. 

35. Field Order No. 29, 79th Division (same folio as Note 23). 

36. "315th Infantry," U. S. A., p. 6. 

37. Report of Operations, 314th Infantry, p. 7. 

38. "History of the 313th Infantry," p 43. 
39 Headquarters Troop, 79th Division, p. 31 

40. Report of Operations, 314th Infantry, p. 8. 

41. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 44. 

42. Report of Operations, 311th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 2. 

43. Report of Operations, 304th Sanitary Train, p. 1-2. 

44. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 120, 124. 

45. "Action," p. 42-43. 

46. Report of Operations, 304th Sanitary Train, p. 4. 

47. "History of the 304th Ammunition Train," p. 53. 

48. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 27. 

49. "Our Greatest Battle," p. 555. 

50. Final Report of General John .1. Pershing, .\ppendix. Plate iv. 

51. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 58. 

52. "315th Infantry, U. S. A., p. 85." 

53. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 14. 

54. Awarded Distinguished Service Cross. For text, see Appendix. 

55. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 13. 

56. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 28. 

57. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 60. 

58. General Order No. 18, XVII Coi-ps (same folio as Note 24). 

59. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 63. 

60. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 4. 

61. Special Order No. 19, XVII Corps (same folio as Note 24.) 

62. G-3 Order No. 7, 79th Divijsion; Historical Collection, 79th Division Association; folio, "G-3 

Orders." 

63. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry, p. 65-67." 

64. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paargraph 5. 

65. Awarded G. H. Q. citation; for text, see Appendix. 

66. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division Paragraph 6. 

67. Order No. 20, XVII Corps, (same folio as Note 24). 

68. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 30. 

69. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 9. 

70. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 87. 

71. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 199. 

72. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 181. 

73. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 69-73. 

74. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 15. 

75. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Di^•ision, Paragraph 10. 

76. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 31. 

77. Field Order No. 31, 79th Division (same folio as Note 23). 

78. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 89. 

79. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 266. 



APPENDIX VII— SOURCE OR REFERENCE NOTES 499 

80. Report of Operations, 312tli Machine Gun Battalion, p. 4. 

81. "Regimental History of the 31Gth Infantry," p. 75-77. 

82 ".\otion," p. 46. 

83 General Order No. 29, 79th Division, Paragraph 11. 

84. Historical Collection, 79th Division Association; folio, "Field Messages, Troyon and la Grande 

Montagne. " 

85. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 46. 

86. Special Order No. 22, X\'II Corps. (Same folio as Note 24). 

87. Field Order No. 32, 79th Division (same folio as Note 23). 

88. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 78-79. 

89. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 33. 

90. Special Order No. 821, II Corps, (same folio as Note 24). 

91. Field Order No. 33, 79th Division, (same folio as Note 23.) 

92. Report of Operation.^ 158th Brigade Detachment, November 7, 1918. 

93. "Action," p. 47. 

94. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 48. 

95. "315th Infantry, U. S. A., p. 217." 

CHAPTER VIII 

NOTES 

1. Report of Operations, 7yth Division, p. 28. 

2. Report of Operations, yi4th Infantry, p. 8. 

3. Report of Operations, 311th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 2. 

4. "History of the 313th Infantry." p. 44. 

5. Report of Operations, 304th Sanitary Train, p. 5. 

6. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 3. 

7. General Order No. 29. 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 2. 

8. .\warded General Headquarters Citation; see te.xt in .\ppendi.\. 

9. General Order No. 29. 1019, 79th Division, Paragraph 12. 

10. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 10. 

11. Summary of Intelligence, 314th Infantry, November 3, 1918. 

12. Awarded Distinguished Service Cro.ss; see te.xt in Appen<lix. 

13. Summary of Intelligence, 314th Infantry, November 4, 1918. 

14. .Summary of Intelligence, 314th Infantry, November 5. 1918. 

15. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 8. 

16. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 45. 

17. .Summary of Intelligence, 314th Infantry, November 6, 1918. 

18. Summary of Intelligence, 314th Infantry, November 7, 1918. 

19. Field Order No. 33, 70th Division; Historical files, 79th Division .Association; foHo "Field Orders 

1918." 

20. Report of Combat groups. Second Battalion, 314th Infantry, November 7, 1918. 

21. Report of Operations, 314th Infantry, p. 9. 

22. "History of the 304th .\mraunition Train," p. 54-49. 
23. 

24. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 128. 

25. "History of the 304th -Ammunition Train," p. 108. 

26. "History of the 304th Ammunition Train," p. 128. 

27. "History of the 304th Anununition Train," p. 116. 

28. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 132. 

29. Field Order No. 33, 79th Division (see folio Note 19). 

30. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 34. 

31. Special Order No. 825. II Colonial Corps; historical files 79th Division Association; folio, "Army 

and Corps Orders. ' 

32. Field Order No. 34, 79th Division (see folio Note 19). 



500 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

83. Report of Operations, 158th Brigade Detadiment, Xovemljer 8, 1918. 

34. Report of Operations, 312th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 4. 

35. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division, Paragraph 14. 

36. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 279. 

37. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 35. 

38. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 48 

39. Headquarters Troop, 79th Division, p. 18. 

40. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 137. 

41. "History of the 304th Ammunition Train," p. 137. 

42. "History of the 304th Ammunition Train," p. 117. 

43. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 36. 

44. Special Order No. 826, II Colonial Corps (see folio Note 31). 

45. Report of Operations, 314th Infantry, p. 10. 

46. Field Order No. 35, 79th Division (see folio Note 19). 

47. Report of Operations, 312th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 4. 

48. Report of Operations, 314th Infantry, p. 11. 

49. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 11. 

50. Field Messages, Troyon and Grande Montagne; historical collection, 79th Division Association. 

51. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 97. 

52. General Order No. 29, 1919, 79th Division Paragraph 8. 

53. Report of Operations, 304th Sanitary Train, p. 8. 

54. Summaries of Intelligence and Interrogation of Prisoners; historical files, 79th Division Association. 

55. Report of Operations, 314th Infantry, p. 12. 

56. Report of Operations, 312th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 5. 

57. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 84. 

58. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 38. 

59. Field Message Book, Colonel J. Frank Barber; historical files. 79th Division ."Association. 

60. "History of the 304th Engineers," p. 140-146. 

61. Order of Operations No. 42, II Colonial Corps (see folio Note 31). 

62. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 49-50. 

63. "315th Infantry U. S. A.," p. 98-99. 

64. Report of Operations, 311th Machine Gun Battalion, p. 4. 

65. Report of Operations, 314th Infantry, p. 14. 

CHAPTER IX 
NOTES 

1. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 40. 

2. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 41. 

3. Report of Operations, 79th Division, p. 43. 

4. See Appendi.x for tables of casualties. 

5. Field Messages, Troyon and Grande Montagne; historical files, 79th Division Association. 

6. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 105. 

7. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 51. 

8. "History of the 304th Engmeers," p. 190. 

9. G-3 Order No. 13, 79th Division; historical files, 79th Division .Association, folio "G-3 Orders." 

10. G-3 Order No. 14, 79th Division (same folio as Note 9). 

11. G-3 Order No. 15, 79th Division (same folio as Nott 9). 

12. G-3 Order No. 21, 79th Division (same folio as Note 9). 

13. G-3 Order No. 16, 79th Division (same folio as Note 9). 

14. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 52. 

15. "History of Company C, 304th Field Signal Battalion, p. 146." 

16. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 87. 

17. G-1 Order No. 54, 1918; historiral files, 79th Division Association; folio "Orders, 79th Division 

Vol. II. ' 



APPENDIX VII— SOURCE OR REFERENCE NOTES 501 

IS. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 108. 

19. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 109. 

20. "Regimental History of the 316th Infantry," p. 93. 

21. Headquarters Troop, 79th Division, p. 32. 

CHAPTER X 

NOTES 

1. See page 43 

■i. "History of the 311th Field Artillery," p. 23. 

3. "History of the 304th Ammunition Train," p. 37. 

4. Manuscript history of the 312th Field Artillery, p. 3. 

5. Manuscript History of the 310th Field .-Vrtillery, p. 48. 

6. "History of the 311th Field Artillery," p. 24. 

7. "History of the 304th Ammunition Train," p. 39. 

8. "History of the 304th Ammunition Train" p. 38. 

9. "History of the 304th Ammunition Train," p. 42. 

10. Manuscript History of the 312th Field Artillery, p. 4. 

11. "History of the 304th Ammunition Train," p. 45. 

12. "History of the 311th Field Artillery," p. 26. 

13. Manuscript history of the 310th Field Artillery, p. 50. 

14. "History of the 311th Field Artillery," p. 25. 

15. Manuscript history of the 310th Field Artillery, p. 52. 

16. "History of the 311th Field Artillery," p. 27. 

17. Manuscript History of the 310th Field Artillery, p. 54. 

18. Manuscript History of the 312th Field Artillery, p. 5. 

19. Manuscript History of the 310th Field Artillery, p. 55. 

20. "History of the 311th Field Artillery," p. 28. 

21. "History of the 311th Field Artillery," p. 29. 

22. Manuscript history of the 310th Field Artillery, p. 58. 

CHAPTER XI 

NOTES 

1. "Regimental History, 316th Infantry," p. 94. 

2. Headquarters Troop. 79th Division, p. 32. 

3. G-1 Order No. 78, 1918, 79th Division. 

4. General Order No. 1, 1919, 79th Division. 

5. G-1 Order No. 77, 1918, 79th Division. 

6. "Action," p. 100. 

7. G-1 Order No. 79, 1918, 79th Division. 

8. General Order No. 2, 1919, 79th Division. 

9. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 9. 

10. General Order No. 5, 1919, 79th Division. 

11. G-1 Order No. 54, 1919, 79th Division. 

12. G-1 Order No. 64, 1919, 79th Division. 

13. G-1 Order No. 51, 1919, 79th Division. 

14. G-1 Order No. 68, 1919, 79th Division. 

15. G-1 Order No. 70, 1919, 79th Division. 

16. G-1 Order No. 113, 1919, 79th Division. 

17. G-1 Order No. 105, 1919, 79th Division. 

18. General Order No. 14, 1919, 79th Division. 

19. General Order No. 16, 1919, 79th Division. 

20. G-1 Order No. 114, 1919, 79th Division. 

21. G-1 Order No. 129, 1919, 79th Division. 



502 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

22. General Order, No. 22, 1919, 79th Division. 

23. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 119. 

24. G-3 Order No. 50, 1919. 79th Division. 

25. "History of the 311th Field Artillery," p. 32. 

CHAPTER XII 

NOTES 

1. G-3 Order No. 50, 1919, 79th Division. 

2. "History of the 311th Field Artillery," p. 32. 

3. "315th Infantry, U. S. A.," p. 121. 

4. G-1 Order No. 147, 1919, 79th Division. 

5. G-1 Order No. 150. 1919, 79th Division. 

6. G-1 Order No. 154, 1919, 79th Division. 

7. G-1 Order No. 155, 1919, 79th Division. 

8. "History of the 310th Field Artillery," p. 70. 

9. The table of arrivals of transports is prepared from the files of the Philadelphia Press, May 26 

to .lune 3, 1919. 

10. "History of the 313th Infantry," p. 63. 

11. Battle Participations of Organizations of the American Expeditionary Forces. Government 

Printing Office, 1920. 



APPENDIX Mil 



THE LORRAINE CROSS 

The Weekly Newspaper of the 
SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

THE LORRAINE CROSS 

In the thriving town of Bai-le-Diic, in a printing establishment known to the townsfoU; as the 
(Imprimerie Collot,) a little coterie of men of tlie Seventy-ninth Division daily scrawled over sheets of 
copy paper, pecked viciously at typewriters, stood Inmched over high tables of type and forms and 
once each week got out "The Lorraine Cross" — a regular sheet! 

There were no "newsies" to hawk its editions thnmgh the villages in the Souilly area, but there 
was no need of them, for the small paper was gobbled up by the news hungry men of the Division 
faster than it could be run off the presses. 

THE LORRAINE CROSS 

Published every Thursday by the 79th 
Division, A. E. F., wherever it happens to be. 

EDITORIAL STAFF 

Major Spencer Roberts, Advisory Editor 

Harry F. Hossack, Sgt. 1st. CI., Editor 

Gilbert Malcolm, Pvt., Associate Editor 
(304th. Engineers Press) 

Subscription may be made for three months only. 

Rate three francs for three months, paid 
in advance. Delivered through company clerks 
or mailed direct to "Home Folks." 

This was at the top of the editorial page of the first issue, February 6, 1919. After the fourth number 
came out, James M. Cain, Private, was acting as editor; Private Malcolm had the title of Sporting 
Editor, Sergeant Hossack was Business Manager, and a Circulation Manager had been added to the 
staff. Private Donald Cronin. First Lieutenant Frank A. Gale, Liaison Officer of the 158th Infantry 
Brigade, although his name was not used in the paper, was from the time the paper was started, in a 
way of speaking, the man behind the gun. 

After the fourth issue of the sheet, enlargement was decided upon and waj'S and means discussed 
at a night conference, the result of which was the move into the (Imprimerie Collot), in Bar-le-Duc 
From this time on the paper had a five column, instead of two-column, make up on each page. 

In this establishment was much type, a good press and plenty of room. At an interview with the 
staff of the paper, Capitaine CoUot agreed to let us put our own men into his shop to do the actual 
setting up of the paper, and further agreed to assign his best press men for that part of the game. 

Came then the problem of paper. The staff wanted to turn out a sizable sheet, one that would 
come somewhere near the dimensions of an "honest-to-goodness" daily back home. This problem 
was solved when the Division Q. M. came across with a plentiful supply of Boche newsprint stock. 

(503) 



504 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

Another pressing need was ot real printing talent. It was found out by Division Headquarters 
what men of the Division had actually been printers, compositors or press men and they were de- 
failed for work on "The Lorraine Cross," and moved, much to tlieir delight, into Bar-Ie-Duc and were 
billeted there. 

The men who attended to the mechanical work of getting out tlie paper were: — Corporal Jerry 
Mitchell, 313th Ambulance Company; Private Roy L. Sawin, 314th Infantry; Private John L. Spiel- 
man, 314th Infantry; Private Leo P. Hollwitz, 314th Infantry, and Private James F. Tracey, 316th 
Infantry. (Privates predominated on this paper and the only way it can be satisfactorily explained 
is that the men with real brains in the army were the "privs.") 

One of the big knots which the staff had to solve was that of type. The Imprimerie Collot had 
"beaucoup" tj-pe of all sorts and kinds, excepting the letter "w, " of which there "aint none" in the 
French alphabet. In the early days of the sheet the compositors used two "v's" placed together, 
thus "vv," and later on an "M" was turned upside down. 

Finally Lieutenant Gale prevailed upon DiNasion Headquarters to permit him to visit Paris for 
the express purpose of procuring the additional type needed. Apropos of this trip to Paris, "Pernicious 
Peler, " one of the staff poets, wrote: 

Said the Editor, he said to me — 

"Peter, 1 hate to trouble youse. 
But, the paper needs a lot o' type — 

Beaucoup a's and w's. 
I want you to go to gay Paree. 

You're booked for a three day stay. 

Bring me back a cut or two. 

And A's in antique Allongee. " 
Nothing ventured, nothing done, 

I ambled off for gay Paree. 
Gee, I had a load of fun 

Getting "w" 'stead of "v." 

The issue of April 10, in addition to carrying multitudes of real "w's," was illustrated, the first 
number so to be. First Lieutenant William A. Shuster, Jr., Assistant G-3 of Division, ser\ed as official 
cartoonist for the paper. 

The distinction of getting out the only "extra" in the A. E. F. belongs to "The Lorr.\ine Cross. " 
When the Division was moving back from the Souillj- Area, the staff decided to keep the outfits informed 
with the latest "when do we go home.'" dope and an extra, carrying news pertaining to this was issued 
and distributed to the troops while on the march. This special issue of "The Lorr.\tne Cross" was 
mentioned by Sergeant Alexander Woolcott, in his book, ("The Command is Forward,"), which is 
made up of excerpts from the "Stars and Stripes." 

"Wien the order to move over Chaumont way came the other day," says Sergeant Woolcott, 
"the Divisional paper, a snappy young journal, "TheLorraixeCross, " felt so good about it that it 
got out an extra with screaming headlines. This was probably the first American extra ever printed 
in France." 

The home of the paper was moved to Nantes when the Division moved to the Nantes-Cholet Area, 
and the last issue of the sheet was printed in the plant of Meignen and Benazeth in that city. 

From the start, those associated with The Lorraine Cross tried to make it a real paper. There 
were all sorts of obstacles in the way {and the job toasn't perfect.) From the start, too, it was decided 
to make the news colunms bright and snappy; the editorials dignified, meaningful and informative. 

Those who got out the paper are proud of their work and they make no apologies to anyone. When 
all is said and done, their job was to give the Division a newspaper, the best paper they possibly could, 
a journal representative of the good old Seventy-ninth — and thej' did. 

A letter from General Kuhn to the Editor of "The Lorraine Cross" was printed as follows on the 
front page of the last edition of the paper, on May 8, 1919: 



APPENDIX VIII— THE LORRAINE CROFS 505 

30, April 1910. 
Private James M. Cain, 
Kditor, The Lorraine Cross. 
Sir: 

Since its appearanre, I liave liecn an interested reader of onr Divisional paper, "The Lorraint; 
Cross." It lias not only lived up to my expectations, hut has far exceeded them. But, after all, it 
is a Seven (v-ninth affair, and could therefore, not possibly have been a failure. 

If all members have enjoyed "The Lorraine Cro.ss" as much as 1, and I feci sure they have, 
then all must have been benefited. It has uniformly maintained a clean, wholesome, and inspiring 
tone, claiming credit only where credit is due and exhibiting malice to none. 

I w isli to not only thank you and your fellow workers of " The Lorihixe Cross" for your excellent 
paper, but to congratulate \ou on Iiaving contributed in no small degree to the maintenance of good 
feeling within the Division during the long and trying period of waiting, now so nearly- at an end. 

Very sincerely, 

Joseph E. Kuhn, 
Major General, L. S. A. 
LEST WE FORGET 
Some jottings from "The Lorraine Cross." 
WAS LAST TO PAY SFPREME SACRIFICE 
Henry X. Gunther, 313th Infantry, last man in the 79th to be killed in action — He fell dead one 
minute before the End of the War. 

Men of the Seventj-ninth should be interested in the last man of the division to be killed in action. 
The story of the tragic end of Henry N. Gunther 's efforts to "make good" is told below. 

The last man in the 79lh Division to be killed in action was P\'t. Henry N. Gunther, Company 
A, ."ilSlh Infantry, (iunther was killed at one minute of eleven on November 11, in an effort to take 
a (ierman machine-gun po.sition before hostilities should cease. 

Before the 313tli left Champlitte, Gunther was "busted" to private from the rank of supply 
sergeant. From the time the regiment went into action, he showed an inflexible determination to make 
good before his officers and fellow -soldiers. On the drive east of the Mcuse he served as runner, and 
delivered his messages after hazardous trips over exposed country. 

Gunther knew perfectly well that the "war would be over" in a few minutes, when he started 
out on his final mission, for he was begged to stay back by his comrades. The men of Company X, 
think he attacked the (ierman position in a last effort to prove he was a good soldier. 

The Germans called to him to go back, but he kept on. They turned their machine gun on him 
and he fell dead in the last minute of the war. When the big guns stopped booming, the Germans 
placed his body on a stretcher and carried it over to the .\merican lines. 
There is not a man in Company A but thinks Gunther "made good." 

(February 20, 1919) 
LET 'EM STAY 
Tliis Paper Has Nothing Against Top-Sergeants. 
Joe Elverson, the eflScient Top-Kick of Headquarte.s Troop, stopped us the other day and said: 
" What s all this I hear about your paper saying top-sergeants are no good and ought to be sent home? " 
"It's all a base libel," we said. "There's nothing to it at all." We then went on to explain 
how the policy of this paper has always been one of reserved friendship toward all top-kickers. 

.Absolutely. We never said they ought to be sent home. We don't even think they ought to 
be sent home. We think they ought to be kept over here until the last road is mended, the last mule 
salvaged, the last street policed up in France. Far be it from us to suggest that the country lose the 
services of such valuable men. 

(April 10, 1919). 
Weather forecast : 

For day of move to Nantes — Rain 
For day of move home — Rain 
F'or day of arrival home — Rain 

(April 17, 1919). 



506 HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

WE ALREADY KNOW IT 

Orders have been issued for a non-commissioned officer from each battalion or separate unit in 
this division to go to Royaumei to learn from the 7th Division the new game of "Doughboy." 
So far as we are concerned, we thought the 79th knew that game ah-eady, 

(February 20, 1919). 



SHORTS ON SPORTS 

We suggest that a Division Cheer Leader be appointed. We nominate "SHni" Kellum. Let it 
be his job to teach the yells. W'e are strong for the following: 

Cooties — hardtack — shot and shell! Seventy-niners — Give 'em hell! 

(February 20, 1919). 



Says Basil, the Belligerent Buck: "Cooties have helped me in my history studies at Lorraine 
Cross High School. For instance, I know now why Bonaparte alwajs has his hand in the front of 
his shirt." 

(March 31, 1919). 



ATROCITIES IN VERSE. 
COOTIES 

{To the iune of "Smiles") 

There are cooties that crawl aroimd the ankles. 
There are cooties that crawl around the knee 
There are cooties that keep the soldiers wondering 
Where they are that they can never see 
There are cooties that cause some awful scratching 
That make a doughboy mad as he can be 
But the cooties that I had in the trenches 
Are the cooties that appeal to me. 

Parody by Pvt. 1st CI. Ralph A. Downey, Co. "I", 316th Infantry, whose home town is Lititz 
Pennsylvania, U. S. A., the home of the "Lititz Pretzel." 

(March 20, 1919) 

(Note: The Cootie was probably the best known and most frequently mentioned name in the 
columns of "The Lorrain Cross.") 



APPENDIX VII— THE LORRAINE CROSS 507 



JONESEY WILLIAMS 

"Shoot him at sunrise," said the Advocate; 

"He ate from a dirty raess-kit." 
"Mercy, sir," said Private Jones. 

"It wasn't I that did it." 

But they led him out at 5 A. M. 

In true Dan Deever style. 
His captain v\'ept, as he paced the floor. 

And salt tears fell the while. 

"Will that detail ne'er come back?" 

He raved and tore his hair. 
"It gets your nerves; I'm on the rack. 

That Bill Jones this should bear." 

But hist! But hold! A knock there came; 

An orderly appeared. 
"Not William Jones," the dog-rob said; 

"John Williams was to blame." 

"Alack," wept the captain; "they've bumped him off! 
My watch says half past five." 
Just then the firing squad came back — 
Bill Jones, too, still alive. 

"Sir," said the sergeant, we lined him up. 

We aimed at the tip of his nose. 
We done our best; it 's not our fault 

The blamed sun never rose. " 

They set Jones free. For months they tried 

To execute John Williams. 
It was pas bon; they turned him loose. 

'Twas France — there are no sunbeams! 

(February 13, 1919) 



APPExMDIX IX 

THE CROSS OF LORRAINE 

THE ORIGIN AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 
DIVISIONAL INSIGNIA 

The Lorraine Cross, official emblem of the Seventy-nintli Division, was adopted shortly after 
the signing of the Armistice. 

In all its war operations, the Division faced the enemy in Lorraine, the province which the United 
States was pledged to win back for Prance. Victory, in spite of stubborn opposition, crowned the 
efforts of the Seventy-ninth Division. It was considered only appropriate, therefore, that the Division 
should select as its emblem the ancient symbol of victory and of that province, the Lorraine Cross 

The double traverse cross, kno\vn as the Cross of Lorraine, was for centuries the national emblem 
of the independent Duchy of Lorraine, while even today it is a crest of the border province of France. 
Several military units engaged in the late war adopted the cross as their emblem, in addition to the 
Lorraine Detachment of the French Army and the Seventy-ninth Division. 

The double traverse of the Cross of Lorraine comes from the substitution, for the Titulus or in- 
scription originally used to mark the cross upon which Christ was crucified, of a plain horizontal arm. 
The origin of the double traverse cross is Eastern, and students of the subject point out that it un- 
doubtedly represents the Jerusalem Cross — the True Cross — with its main horizontal cross piece and 
the Titulus, represented not by an inscription but by a plain arm in the Lorraine Cross. 

The double traverse cross came to have its association with the Province of Lorraine in 1477, 
after Rene II, the reigning head of the Duchy of Lorraine, had defeated Charles the Bold, Duke of 
Burgundy, at tlie Battle of Nancy. Rene was of the House of Anjou and the emblem had been known 
as the Cross of .\njou to earlier members of the House. The disappearance of Charles the Bold in- 
sured at one stroke the unity of France and the independence of Lorraine. Considering the importance 
of the Battle of Nancy in the eyes of the Lorrainers, the historical value of the badge worn by their 
victorious ancestors at that famous fight is readily imderstood. 

Since the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, which resulted in the annexation of a part of Lorraine 
to Germany, a significant use has been made of the old cross. Shortly after the signing of the Treaty 
of Frankfort, a meeting of the mhabitants of Metz was held on Sion Hill, sometimes called "Inspiration 
Hill." After this meeting a marble monument was erected, having carved on it a broken Lorraine 
Cross, bearing the inscription, in local dialect, "C 'name po tojo — 'Twill not be forever." 

Some of these days, now that the whole of the Province of Lorraine is again French, another im- 
mense meeting will probably be held on Sion Hill to celebrate the fact that the prophecy has come true. 
And the American soldiers who have helped in making it come true, especially those of the Seventy- 
ninth Division, should, when they hear of the celebration across the water, look at the familiar badge 
once worn on their shoulders and think of its significance and of the joys and sorrows of those whose 
emblem it has been for many centuries. 

(Written from data furnished by E. F. Henri Viard, B. A., Paris University, late London corres- 
pondent of "Le Journal" — some time Techincal Translater to the Ordinance Department, A. E. F.) 

(.508) 



THE NEW SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION 

HEADQUARTERS 79TH DIVISION 

Schuykill Arsenal 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

1 September 1922. 

Under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved June 20, 1920 the Army of the United States 
carae into being made up of three components namely: — the Regular Army, the National Guard and 
the Organized Reserves. The Infantry Divisions of the latter component were distributed among the 
existing nine Corps Areas into which the continental United States had been divided. These Divisions 
were allotted areas within the Corps Areas. One of these latter comprised the Counties of Eastern- 
Pennsylvania lying east of the West branch of the Susquehanna River including the Cities of Gettys- 
burg, Harrisburg, Sunbury, Williamsport and Wellsboro on the west and Philadelphia, Easton, Strouds- 
burg and Millford on the east. This was the original area from which the 79th Division was principally 
recruited when the United States mobilized its armed forces for the World War. Therefore the area 
was again allotted to this Division and orders were issued designating the 79th Division as one of the 
Reserve Infantry Divisions of the Army of the United States with Headquarters in the City of Phila- 
delphia. 

A Chief of Staff and one Assistant Chief of Staff were assigned by orders from the War Department 
with directions to proceed to Philadelphia, establish Headquarters and proceed with the organization of 
the Division. On September 1, 1921 these officers arrived in Philadelphia and located Division Head- 
quarters in Building 2-A, Schuylkill Arsenal, 2620 Grays Ferry Road. 

Preliminary arrangements were made for the organization of the Division and a plan of operations 
decided upon. 

The 313th Infantry was given the Northern tier of Counties with Headquarters in Wilkes-Barre. 
The 314th Infantry is next with Headquarters in Reading. The 316th Infantry has the tier of Counties 
immediately north and west of Philadelphia with Headquarters in Lancaster. The 315th Infantry, 
originally recruited in Philadelphia has been permanently allotted to that City and County. The 
entire Field Artillery Brigade is likewise assigned to Philadelphia. The 304th Engineers takes in 
Philadelphia and the thickly populated district to the south-west including Chester and Essington. 
The 304th Medical Regiment is allocated to Philadelphia. 

From the day that Headquarters was established the old Division, demobolized at the conclusion 
of its mission in the World War, began to reform. Many of its former officers rejoined their old Regi- 
ments. Officers with previous service in the War, who had taken commissions in the Reserves and 
who reside in the areas allocated to Regiments, applied for assignment to these organizations. The 
mst increment of 2nd Lieutenants from the R.O.T.C. Units joined at the close of the college courses in 
June. At the end of one year we find ourselves with 900 Officers assigned or attached to the different 
Regiments and Headquarters and this fall we will take in our non-commissioned officers and enlisted 
specialists. 

The cadre of Regular Army personnel has been increased to nine officers and seven enlisted men. 
The Regiments are active, live organizations ready for the call for mobilization when it comes again. 

It should be a matter of pride and satisfaction to every man who served in the old Division to 
realize that the honorable traditions that he helped to build up are not to be lost but are to be treasured 
and honored through the years. As time passes and should our country again have need of it, the Di- 
vision will strive to add new laurels to those you bequeathed to it. You should rejoice that your sons 
and your sons" sons will be able to follow you in your old outfit, the Seventy-ninth Division. 

EDW. CARPENTER, 

Chief of Staff 

(509) 



THE SEVENTY-NINTH DIVISION ASSOCIATION 

The Seventy-ninth Division Association was conceived and the organization first started while 
the Division was still in France, in the Sonilly Area, during the winter of 1919. It was formally or- 
ganized in the Spring of '19 when the Division had started on its journey home. 

At Reze, France, on May 7, 1919, was held the first meeting for organization purposes. To this 
meeting were invited representatives from all the different organizations in the Division, including the 
regiments, the battalions, the trains and all the miscellaneous outfits of which the Division was composed. 

The Constitution, which was tentatively adopted at this organization meeting at Reze, on May 7, 
1919, was formally adopted at the First Convention of the Division held in Baltimore on the 3rd of 
Sept. 1821. This set forth the foUowmg objects or purposes of the Association: "To perpetuate the 
achievements of the Seventy-ninth Division, in history and in tradition; to promote fellowship among 
its members and to facilitate intercourse between them; to keep forever green the memory of our gallant 
comrades who gave their all for their country and for such purposes not partisan, political or sectarian, 
as the Association in convention assembled may decide." 

Many of the Regiments, Battalions and even Companies within the Division have formed their 
separate organizations or associations for just this very purpose. 

It is planned to unite these different bodies in the parent organization, the Division Association, 
considering them as vmit sections or chapters of the larger body, in order that they may maintain their 
regimental or smaller unit identity and at the same time support the parent Association as well as 
increase their own strength. 

In history, in the press, both current and during the war, in the mind of the public; the Division 
was and is the unit which is known and recognized. It was and is known as the National Army Division 
of Pennsylvania. Every unit in it was a component part and was known to those close to the members 
of that particular unit; but the public-at-large knew and recognized the Seventy-nmth Division as a 
whole, and so will history, and so will any general movement which affects the local public or the Nation 
as a whole. 

The plan from which will accrue the greatest benefit to the greatest number, both the unit organ- 
izations as well as the parent body, is the consolidation of all these unit organizations and the cooperation 
of all the former members of the Division, united in one healthy organization with one object, that set 
forth in the constitution of our Seventy-ninth Division Association. 

Some 40,000 names are on our roster at the present time. This consists of a consolidation of the 
two sailing lists, the one "Going Over" and the other "Coming Home" and in time this can be aug- 
mented by the names of those who served in the early days at Meade and who were transferred out of 
the Division. Of this number, some eighty or ninty per cent live in Philadelphia, Eastern Pennsylvania 
and Baltimore and are within easy reach of this center. 

By this plan of consolidation (concentrated effort) the following results would be accomplished. 
First: A centralization of administration, which is bound to result in economy and efficiency. Second: 
The minimizing of expense to the individual units while achieving a broader field of action. Third: 
Creating an efficiency in the matter of bringing up to date and keeping current the rosters of the different 
individual units. Fourth: The collecting, arranging and preserving all historical data pertaining to the 
life and activities of the original Division. Fifth: The assembling and preserving of all war relics col- 
lected by the Division. Si.xth: The spreading or broadening of the fame and achievements of the 
Division. Seventh: The increasing of general interest in the Division by the public and its former 
members, resulting in an increased membership in the unit as well as in the parent organization. Eighth : 
Uniting the activities of the Seventy-Ninth Division of world war fame with the activities of the new 
Seventy-Ninth Division of the reorganized army. Ninth: The erection and maintenance of suitable 
and appropriate battle-field monuments on the scenes of our major operations. Tenth: And by far 
most important, the organization and consolidation and effort and interest of some forty to fifty thousand 
men, all with the single purpose, would surely achieve much more than that which could be expected 
from a number of small unit organizations. 

The Seventj'-Ninth Division Association membership is open to all who regularly served in the 
Division with honor, the annual dues are One Dollar, and the temporary headquarters is in the Liberty 
Building, Broad and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia. 

(Signed) H. Harrison Smith, 

President Seventy-Ninth Division Assoc. 
510 



I CERTIFY that the following, including the next page, is a true copy of the Discharge 
of the soldier mentioned therein. 

(Any ofllcer authorized by law to administer oaths) 



Armg of tt|0 ImtfJj §>tuUs of Amprtra 

tfo all fol]0 sI|aU SEC %sc presmts, grcctiuc;: 
tV^^J f^ la cerlt/t/. t/utt 

by direction of the President and under ihe provisions of section nine of ihe aa of Congress, approved 
May eighteen, nineteen hundred and seventeen, 



was HONORABLY DISCHARGED /rom the military service in The United States Army at 

onthe - day of - , 19L 



.Commanding 



This form, filled out and certified to, together with this History, will constitute a complete 
and authentic record of the individual soldier's service. 



MILITARY RECORD. 

Battles, engagements, skirmishes 



Medals awarded -- 

Wound chevrons authorized 

War service chevrons authorized 

Remarks 



Commanding. 



I CERTIFY that the following, including the next page, is a true copy of the Discharge 
of the s-oldier mentioned therein. 



(Any officer authorized by law to administer oaths) 



^onotaUt Bisitfjarge from tlje ^niteb States ^tmp 



TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN 
Sljts is to (Hrrltfy. Thai* 



t 

THE UNITED STATES ARMY, as a Testimonial of Honest and Faithful Service, is hereby 
Honorably Discharged /row the military service of the United States by reason o/t 

Said .-— ....was born.. 

in , m the State of... 

When enlisted he u-a.v years of age and by occupation a 

He had .....eyes, hair, complexion, and icas 

.feet inches in height. 

Given under my hand at ..this 

day of , one thousand nine hundred and 



Commanding. 



* Insert name. Cliristian name first; e. g., "John Doe." 

t Insert Army serial number, grade, company and regiment or arm or corps or department ; e. g. , " 1,620,302 ; " " Corporal, 
Company A, 1st Infantry;" "Sergeant, Quartermaster Corps;" "Sergeant, First Class, Medical Department.'' 
j If discharged prior to expiration of service, give number, date, and soiu'ce of order or full description of authority there- 
for. 

This form, filled out and certified to, together with this History, will constitute a complete 
and authentic record of the individual soldier's service. 



ENLISTMENT RECORD 



Name: Grade: 

Enlisted, or Inducted,... , 191 , at 

Serving in enlistment period at date of discharge. 

Prior service:* 

Noncommissioned officer: 

Marksmanship, gunner qualification or rating:] 

Horsemanship : 

Battles, engagements, skirmishes, expeditions: 



Knowledge of any vocation: 

Wounds received in service: 

Physical condition when discharged: 
Typhoid prophylaxis completed: .... 
Paratyphoid prophylaxis completed 

Married or single 

Character: 

Remarks: 



Signature of soldier: 



Commanding . 



♦Give company and regiment or corps or department, with inclusive dates of service in each enlistment. 3 — 3164 

tGive date of quiliflcxtion or rating and number, date, and sources of order annoimcing same. 



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